AfDB pledges over $1 Bln to support Morocco’s climate resilience for inclusive development

The African Development Bank has pledged to provide Morocco more than $1 billion over the next two years to enable the North African country cope with drought and support climate-resilient agricultural initiatives seeking to boost farming production and ensure food security.

The announcement was made Tuesday by AfDB Vice-Pdt Beth Dunford following her working visit to the Kingdom to assess its funding needs for water, agriculture, social inclusion and human development projects.

Mrs. Beth Dunford held separate meetings with minister of equipment & water Nizar Baraka, minister of agriculture Mohammed Sadiki, and Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa.

Talks between AfDB vice-President and members of Moroccan government showed convergence of views regarding water efficiency as climate change has put a great strain on water resources, affecting agricultural output and food supplies.

Mrs Beth hailed the sound and long-standing partnership existing between the Bank and Morocco. The Bank has injected more than $12 billion in 170 projects carried out over the past fifty years in Moroccan, she said.

 

During his meeting with Mrs Beth, Nizar Baraka called for strengthening further the Morocco-AfDB partnership to develop strategic infrastructure and speed up socioeconomic development in Morocco.

 

The minister of agriculture praised the excellent partnership with the Bank, which has helped Morocco to modernize its agricultural sector, while Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget commended the AfDB support of Morocco’s structural reforms.