The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has praised Morocco’s development trajectory as “remarkably consistent” and called for strengthened partnerships with the kingdom.
Speaking on the occasion of Throne Day, celebrated on July 30, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina hailed Morocco as “an emerging power” on the African continent, highlighting the steady pace of economic and social progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
According to Adesina, Morocco’s stable governance and deliberate strategy have positioned it as one of Africa’s leading countries in terms of development.
“Morocco is undergoing an impressive transformation, driven by a long-term strategic vision,” said Adesina. He noted that the country now enjoys strong economic fundamentals, advanced sectoral diversification, and successful integration into global value chains, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, agri-food, and renewable energy industries.
This recognition of Morocco’s growing role in Africa’s economic landscape comes as the country continues to implement a decades-long agenda of infrastructure modernisation, human development, and export-oriented industrialisation. Flagship projects such as the Tanger Med port, industrial clusters in Kenitra and Casablanca, the Noor solar power stations, and high-speed rail network expansions have helped position Morocco as a continental hub.
“These are deliberate, methodical advances, underpinned by sound governance choices, that now place Morocco at the forefront of Africa’s economic architecture,” Adesina added. He also emphasised the country’s political and institutional stability, which makes it an attractive destination for international investors and a strategic partner for multilateral institutions.
Beyond the economy, the AfDB President commended Morocco’s efforts in education, healthcare, social inclusion, and climate change mitigation. The New Development Model, adopted in 2021, reflects a commitment to ensuring inclusive growth while proactively addressing sustainability challenges, he said.
“The African Development Bank is proud to be a long-standing partner of Morocco, and we will continue to support the major transformation initiatives championed by His Majesty the King,” Adesina concluded, referring to the numerous projects co-financed by the AfDB in sectors such as water, energy, transport, education, and rural development.
At a time when the African continent is striving to strengthen its engines of endogenous growth, Morocco stands out—as seen by the head of the continent’s premier financial institution—as a model of resilience, strategic coherence, and reform-oriented leadership.
MK/ac/lb/as/APA