The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged up to €1 billion in financing to support Morocco's infrastructure development, a significant portion of which is earmarked for projects related to the country's 2030 FIFA World Cup bid.
A €350 million loan agreement was signed Thursday during the AfDB's Africa Investment Forum in Rabat. This initial funding will contribute to improvements in economic governance, water infrastructure, and the development of an industrial zone at the Nador West Med port, the AfDB said.
AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina further announced the bank's consideration of an additional €650 million ($687 million) loan to support upgrades to Morocco's rail and airport infrastructure in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The AfDB's total financing for Morocco currently stands at $3.6 billion, encompassing 37 diverse projects.