Rabat – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a strategic financing package worth $685 million (MAD 7.04 billion) to help Morocco prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The funds, aimed at upgrading the country’s railway and airport infrastructure, were confirmed by AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina during his visit to Rabat on Thursday.
“This investment is designed to strengthen Morocco’s infrastructure and bolster its competitiveness as it readies to co-host the World Cup,” Adesina stated after meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
The vision for these funds is in parallel to Morocco’s 2025 Finance Bill, which outlines a comprehensive program to prepare six key cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier—for the tournament. Over the next six years, the initiative aims to accelerate infrastructure projects, delivering world-class facilities and amenities to support the event’s success.
The AfDB’s announcement reinforces its strong partnership with Morocco, where it is managing 37 active projects worth $3.6 billion (MAD 37 billion). These projects focus on vital sectors, including energy, water, sanitation, and private-sector development.
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According to Adesine, Morocco received $1.5 billion (MAD 15.4 billion) in new funding from the Bank in 2024 alone, reflecting the country’s priority status within the institution’s regional strategy.
Beyond the World Cup 2030, the talks also focused on tackling youth unemployment and boosting skills development. Adesine noted the bank’s commitment to addressing these challenges, which remain central to Morocco’s economic agenda.
Adesina also expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his continued support of the AfDB, noting Morocco’s role in hosting the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) in Rabat, which runs until December 6. The forum brings together leaders and investors to drive economic growth across the continent.
With this new financial commitment, Morocco is solidifying its reputation as both a premier sports destination and a leader in sustainable infrastructure development in Africa.
In July, the AfDB intensified its support for Morocco with a $1.33 billion investment package to drive economic and social development.
The funding was allocated to nine strategic projects to strengthen the country’s resilience to economic and environmental shocks, ensuring greater stability in the face of future crises.
The package also prioritized enhancing territorial competitiveness through improved infrastructure to attract investment and promote balanced economic growth across all regions.
