With a new €100 million financing package, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is backing Morocco’s PAASIFEJ program, which aims to transform agriculture into a powerful driver of economic and social inclusion for rural populations—especially women and youth.
The funding, approved by the AfDB Board of Directors, will support the implementation of the Inclusive and Solidarity-Based Agriculture Support Program for Women and Youth (PAASIFEJ). The initiative is designed to boost rural entrepreneurship—particularly among women—and strengthen the sector’s resilience to climate-related challenges.
PAASIFEJ will foster an enabling environment for income-generating activities in rural areas through tailored financing mechanisms, investment incentives, and enhanced technical and financial support. The program aligns closely with Morocco’s “Generation Green 2020–2030” strategy, the National Program for Solidarity-Based Agriculture, and the National Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative.
In addition to direct support for rural businesses, the program includes the construction of new agricultural and agro-processing infrastructure, the integration of women into local value chains, and skills development in areas such as agri-food processing and digital technologies. The goal is to build a resilient, competitive, and inclusive rural entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Achraf Tarsim, AfDB Country Manager in Morocco, emphasised that “women who aspire to succeed in agriculture are our top priority.” He pledged that the Bank would stand by them “every step of the way to help build a modern, inclusive, and resilient agricultural sector.”
Over the past five decades, the African Development Bank has mobilised nearly €15 billion in support of Morocco, funding more than 150 major projects in areas ranging from water, energy, and transport to governance and social protection.
This new program further highlights the strategic importance of inclusive agriculture as a shared priority between the kingdom and its pan-African development partner.
MK/ac/sf/lb/as/APA