The first official visit of Nadia Calviño, president of the European Investment Bank (BEI), to Morocco underscored the nation’s pivotal role as a connector between Africa and Europe. This landmark trip marked the 21st anniversary of the bank’s permanent presence in the country.

Morocco: A strategic partner for Europe

During her final meeting in Rabat, Calviño sat down with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad. The BEI president reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s growth, prosperity, and social development, describing the country as a “strategic partner for Europe“.

Calviño emphasized that Morocco serves as a “cornerstone of stability, security, and shared prosperity” for both Africa and Europe, reinforcing the importance of the strategic partnership between the BEI and Morocco.

A transport-focused investment plan

Calviño also met with Nadia Fettah, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, to review the details of the BEI’s investment plan for the country. During her stay in Rabat, she signed agreements with Moroccan officials combining loans and grants totaling €365 million for transport and structural resilience projects.

This funding allocation includes €15 million in European grants for climate adaptation measures on the national rail network, managed by the Moroccan National Railways Office, and a €50 million BEI loan. The remaining €300 million is earmarked for enhancing the resilience and safety of Morocco’s highways, to be administered by the National Highway Company.

This initiative aligns with the BEI’s broader strategy to promote safer, more sustainable transport systems in partner countries.

€12 billion committed over five decades

Since initiating cooperation with Morocco nearly five decades ago, the BEI has mobilized over €12 billion to support a wide range of 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 musical performance by a youth group as part of the “Morocco 88” project. This initiative, which fosters extracurricular music clubs in Moroccan high schools, promotes education, social cohesion, and youth development with support from Morocco’s Ministry of National Education and the BEI.

Calviño also highlighted the economic reforms implemented under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, which have strengthened Morocco’s macroeconomic and financial framework. These reforms have bolstered investor confidence and enabled large-scale investment mobilization.