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Rabat – The National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA) held a meeting yesterday in Agadir to explore future strategies for Morocco’s vital oasis and argan tree regions.
Led by Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari, the meeting brought together key government officials and regional representatives who discussed remarkable socio-economic transformations achieved over the past decade.
In detail, ANDZOA’s interventions have significantly reduced poverty from 13.4% in 2007 to just 4.8% in 2022.
Implemented efforts have improved infrastructure and social services across these strategic regions with public investments totaling MAD 143 billion (approximately $14.3 billion) between 2012 and 2023. These have resulted in significant economic growth, pushing the regional GDP from MAD 96 billion (approximately $9.6 billion) to MAD 163 billion (approximately $16.3 billion).
Developing important infrastructure has secured nearly universal access to drinking water (96%) and electricity (99.78%), with rural areas seeing unprecedented improvements in basic services.
Read also: A Decade of Progress: ANDZOA’s Strategic Plan Drives Development in Oasis and Argan Zones
Meanwhile, the education rate in primary school saw a significant increase from 90.5% in 2012 to approximately 100% in 2023.
Latifa El Yacoubi, ANDZOA’s Director, delivered a comprehensive presentation on achievements and outlined an ambitious strategy for 2030.
The plan features efforts geared towards facing climate change adaptation and boosting youth employment, as well as women’s economic integration, reflecting a holistic approach to regional development.
Speaking of the strategy, El Bouari said it should adopt a proactive and collaborative approach, urging stakeholders to focus on integrated interventions and coordinated efforts.
The strategy also aims to build regional resilience, create economic opportunities, and align development initiatives with the royal vision for sustainable progress.
The meeting provided a much-needed platform to focus on Morocco’s commitment to transforming its oasis and argan tree regions, demonstrating a strategic approach to addressing complex socio-economic challenges while taking advantage of the unique potential of these critical geographical areas.
