The first official visit of Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (BEI), to Morocco underscored the North African nation’s pivotal role as a bridge between Africa and Europe. This landmark trip coincided with the 21st anniversary of the BEI’s permanent presence in Morocco.

Morocco: A Strategic Partner for Europe

During her meetings in Rabat, Calviño engaged with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and African and Moroccan Residents Abroad. In her concluding remarks, she reaffirmed the BEI’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s growth trajectory, highlighting the country’s significance as a strategic partner for Europe.

The BEI President described Morocco as a cornerstone of regional stability, security, and shared prosperity for both Africa and Europe. She emphasized that this visit reinforces the deepening strategic partnership between the BEI and Morocco, strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.

A Focus on Transportation and Resilience Infrastructure

Calviño also met with Nadia Fettah, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, to discuss ongoing cooperation and review the BEI’s investment plan for the country. A series of agreements were signed, combining loans and grants totaling €365 million to enhance the resilience of Morocco’s rail and highway networks.

Of this amount, €15 million is allocated as a European grant to fund climate adaptation measures for the national railway system, managed by the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF). Additionally, a €50 million loan from the BEI will support these efforts. The remaining €300 million will improve the resilience and safety of Morocco’s highways, overseen by the Société Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM).

This initiative aligns with the BEI’s broader strategy to promote safer and more sustainable transportation systems across partner countries.

Decades of Investment: €12 Billion in 50 Years

Since initiating cooperation with Morocco nearly five decades ago, the BEI has mobilized over €12 billion to support diverse sectors, including SMEs, renewable energy, healthcare, water, and education. During her visit, Calviño made a symbolic stop at a public school in Rabat to attend a youth musical performance as part of the “Morocco 88” project—a program fostering extracurricular music clubs in Moroccan high schools that promote education, social cohesion, and youth development. The project is supported by Morocco’s Ministry of National Education with backing from the BEI.

In an interview with the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), Calviño praised the economic reforms implemented under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. These reforms have strengthened the country’s macroeconomic and financial framework, enhancing investor confidence and enabling large-scale investment mobilization.