The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, and Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, presided over the signing ceremony of a €270 million financing agreement for the Program for the Extension and Modernization of Airport Infrastructures (PEMIA) in Casablanca. The agreement was signed by Achraf Tarsim, AfDB's country office head in Morocco, and Adel El Fakir, director-general of the Moroccan National Airports Office (ONDA).
The financing agreement is aimed at strengthening Morocco's airport capacities, particularly in strategic hubs such as Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, and Tangier. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah stated that the AfDB is supporting Morocco's ambition to modernize and increase its airport capacities, as well as prepare for major international events. The program is also part of the AfDB's Integrated Aviation Transformation Program in Africa (IATP), which aims to modernize, finance, and integrate African air transport systems.
Nadia Fettah expressed her gratitude to the AfDB for its involvement in the airport sector, noting that the institution has financed many major reforms and projects in Morocco. The PEMIA program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Morocco's air transport sector by modernizing and expanding key airport platforms. The program will increase operational capacities, upgrade infrastructure, and improve safety and security systems.
The investments will provide state-of-the-art safety equipment, automated baggage handling systems, and digital solutions to improve passenger experience. These improvements will offer passengers a safer, faster, and more comfortable service, meeting international standards. The project is expected to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic in the coming years, preparing Morocco's airport infrastructure for future mobility and connectivity needs.
By 2030, the program aims to increase passenger capacity to 14 million at Marrakech, 5 million at Agadir, 3.6 million at Tangier, and 3 million at Fez. The investments will consolidate Morocco's position as a regional air hub. The program is expected to generate significant economic and social returns, including job creation, particularly for young people and women, and stimulating public and private investments in the air transport sector.
The program will also contribute to the development of tourism, trade, and logistics activities, supporting Morocco's "Vision 2030" strategy. The AfDB's financing agreement with Morocco marks a significant step in the country's airport sector transformation, aligning with the bank's strategic priorities and the country's development goals.
Key points
- The African Development Bank has agreed to provide €270 million in financing for Morocco's airport infrastructure expansion.
- The program aims to increase passenger capacity at key airports, including Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez.
- The investments are expected to generate significant economic and social returns, including job creation and stimulating public and private investments.
