Japan Launches Two Sustainable Development Projects in Morocco

Rabat – The Japanese Ambassador in Rabat, Takashi Shinozuka, launched on November 29 and 30 two sustainable development projects in Morocco including an educational center and a modern olive production unit.

The diplomat hosted two official opening ceremonies in Mhaya, a small town in the Meknes province, and Sidi El Makhfi, located in the Taounate province in the northern Rif mountains.

The projects were carried out with help from the Japanese government, with a total of MAD 1.7 million ($183 thousand) in donations, as part of an aid program dubbed “Donation to local micro-projects contributing to human security.”

In Mhaya, the Japanese Embassy in Morocco provided over MAD 889 thousand ($96 thousand) for the construction of a new educational center benefiting around 100 children living with physical and mental disabilities.

The project aims to provide the children with the necessary care to eventually integrate them into the regular school system.

Spread over a surface of 325 square meters, the center includes two classrooms, a multipurpose room, a reception room, and a director’s office.

“Children who are living with disabilities must have access to quality education and a life beyond their difficulties. The center will reassure parents that their children are in good hands,” said Shinozuka during the opening ceremony.

In the town of Sidi El Makhfi, the Japanese diplomat hosted the launching of a modern olive oil production unit, which was built to profit the Rachad Azaz Cooperative at a total cost of MAD 4.2 million ($454 thousand).

The unit aims to encourage the production of olive products, promote employment and contribute to the modernization of the sector in order to improve farmers’ living conditions.

The Japanese diplomat stressed that the project reflects the “excellent relations” and “fruitful cooperation” that Morocco and Japan have maintained for decades.

“Japan fully supports the cooperation policy which aims to modernize the agriculture sector with the improvement of production capacities, agricultural mechanization and the use of water-saving techniques,” he added.

The history of cooperation between the two countries began with the opening of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 1967.

The number of Japanese companies established in Morocco has doubled from 35 in 2014 to more than 70 in 2021.

Morocco is strengthening its position as an African hub, laying the foundation for new initiatives and perspectives from international investors.