Unveiled on Monday, the initiative seeks to strengthen food security in one of Africa’s most drought-vulnerable regions. According to AfDB, this investment responds to urgent needs in Morocco’s agricultural communities, especially in the wake of the country’s worst drought in 40 years, which saw cereal output plummet from 10.3 million tonnes in 2021 to just 3.4 million tonnes the following year.
“Women who have the ambition to undertake and succeed in agriculture are our priority,” said Achraf Tarsim, AfDB’s country manager for Morocco, underlining the loan’s inclusive development approach.
Morocco’s agricultural sector makes up roughly 12% of the national GDP and provides livelihoods for nearly 30% of its workforce. Yet, more than 70% of Moroccan farmers are small-scale producers, often lacking access to irrigation systems, digital tools, and financial services—resources vital for adapting to climate change and building sustainable food systems.
This loan builds on a robust, 50-year partnership between AfDB and Morocco that has delivered €15 billion ($17.46 billion) across 180 development projects spanning energy, infrastructure, water access, social protection, and agriculture. In 2023 alone, AfDB committed €254 million to Morocco, supporting the country’s ambitions in green innovation and digital transformation.
With targeted interventions now expanding into agriculture, the Bank is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and climate-smart growth—one that not only feeds the nation but empowers its most critical stewards: farmers, women, and youth.
