Casablanca:Morocco and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group have entered into a ‚¬270 million financing agreement aimed at extending and modernizing the country’s airport infrastructure. This initiative, known as the Airport Infrastructure Extension and Modernization Program (PEMIA), seeks to enhance Morocco’s airport capacities.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the agreement was signed during a ceremony chaired by Sidi Ould Tah, President of the AfDB Group, and Nadia Fettah, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance. The signing was conducted by Achraf Tarsim, the Country Manager of the AfDB Group in Morocco, and Adel El Fakir, Director General of the National Airports Office (ONDA).

The ‚¬270 million loan will support Morocco’s efforts to modernize and expand its airport facilities, focusing on strategic hubs such as Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, and Tangier. This development aligns with the AfDB’s Integrated Aviation Transformation Program in Africa, which aims to modernize and integrate air transport systems across the continent.

The agreement marks a significant step in Morocco’s strategy to become a leading aviation hub connecting Africa, Europe, and beyond. The project, part of Morocco’s 2030 tourism vision, aims to enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan air transport by upgrading infrastructure and expanding air navigation systems.

Improvements will include state-of-the-art security equipment, automated baggage handling systems, and digital solutions to streamline passenger experiences. By 2030, Marrakech’s handling capacity will reach 14 million passengers, while Agadir, Tangier, and Fez will accommodate 5 million, 3.6 million, and 3 million passengers, respectively.

The program is expected to generate economic and social benefits, including job creation, especially for youth and women, and will bolster tourism, trade, and logistics activities. Additionally, it will stimulate public and private investments in the air transport sector.