African Development Bank Approves €120 Million for Nador West Med Port Development
In a significant boost to Morocco’s infrastructure and economic development, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €120 million funding package for the Nador West Med (NWM) port activity zone (PAZAP-NWM).
The Nador West Med Port Development Project is part of a broader strategic vision to integrate the Moroccan port system into regional and international transport networks by 2030. The project is expected to significantly boost the competitiveness of the port logistics chain, attract substantial investments, and create over 30,000 jobs, thereby accelerating economic and social growth in the Oriental region, particularly in Nador province.
Key Objectives and Benefits:
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: The development of the Nador West Med port activity zone is projected to stimulate the local economy by creating job opportunities and enhancing trade volumes. The initiative aligns with Morocco's national strategy to develop economic zones that support industrial and logistics activities.
- Infrastructure Development: The project includes the construction of a deep-water port that will improve Morocco’s logistics infrastructure, securing the country’s supply of hydrocarbons and attracting international maritime traffic through the Mediterranean basin (EBRD).
- Regional Integration: The Nador West Med project complements other significant infrastructure projects in the region, such as the Guercif-Nador highway, which AfDB has also financed. This highway will connect the Nador West Med port to the national highway network, further enhancing the region’s logistical attractiveness.
Environmental and Social Impact:
The project has undergone comprehensive environmental and social assessments to ensure sustainable development. These assessments include an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to manage and mitigate potential negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems (EBRD).
Financial Support and Strategic Partnership:
AfDB’s €120 million funding is part of a larger financial commitment to the project, which also includes contributions from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other international financial institutions. This financial backing underscores the strategic importance of the Nador West Med port in enhancing Morocco’s regional and global trade capabilities (EBRD).