Morocco and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group have signed a €270 million financing agreement to support the expansion and modernization of the country's airport infrastructure. The agreement was signed in Casablanca by Achraf Tarsim, head of the AfDB Group's country office in Morocco, and Adel El Fakir, Director General of the National Airports Office (ONDA). This financing deal supports the Airport Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization Program (PEMIA), which aims to increase airport capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen safety and security measures by 2030.
The AfDB Board approved the €270 million financing for PEMIA in December 2025. The overall program has an estimated cost of about MAD 9.08 billion, equivalent to approximately €863.4 million. The AfDB loan covers about 31% of the total cost, while Morocco will finance the remaining 69% through ONDA. The program focuses on the modernization and expansion of airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez, including terminal expansions, upgrades to air navigation systems, and stronger airport security infrastructure.
The program includes several key infrastructure upgrades, such as the construction of a new control tower in Marrakech, 1.5 million square meters of aircraft parking areas, and 7.6 kilometers of taxiways. Advanced security equipment, automated baggage-handling systems, and digital solutions designed to improve passenger flows will also be introduced. The planned investments include passenger screening systems, baggage security equipment, elevators, escalators, moving walkways, automated baggage sorting systems, and explosive detection systems.
By 2030, the program targets passenger-handling capacities of 14 million passengers annually in Marrakech, five million in Agadir, 3.6 million in Tangier, and three million in Fez. The program seeks to prepare Morocco's airport network for the expected growth in passenger and freight traffic through 2030, including the country's co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup that year. This growth is expected to have a positive impact on tourism, trade, logistics, and related public and private investment.
Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, welcomed the AfDB's support for Morocco's infrastructure projects, noting that the institution has financed major reforms and projects in the country. The AfDB expects the investments to improve airport operational safety in the short term while creating several thousand jobs, particularly for women and young people. The program also supports Morocco's Tourism Vision 2030 and its objective of strengthening the country's role as a regional aviation hub.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) President, Sidi Ould Tah, and Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, presided over the signing ceremony. The implementation period for the program extends to December 31, 2030. The AfDB lists the project as approved on December 10, 2025. The program is expected to have a significant impact on Morocco's air transport growth and its airport infrastructure.
The financing agreement is a significant step towards achieving Morocco's airport modernization goals. The program will enhance the country's airport infrastructure, improve operational safety, and increase passenger capacity. The AfDB's support for Morocco's infrastructure projects demonstrates its commitment to promoting economic growth and development in the region.
Key points
- Morocco secures €270 million financing from AfDB for airport expansion and modernization program.
- The program targets passenger-handling capacities of 14 million passengers annually in Marrakech, five million in Agadir, 3.6 million in Tangier, and three million in Fez by 2030.
- The investments are expected to improve airport operational safety and create several thousand jobs, particularly for women and young people.
