The French Development Agency (AFD) plans to invest around €150 million in Morocco's southern provinces, announced its Director General, Rémy Rioux, on Saturday in Laayoune. This initiative marks a new phase for the AFD, which is now seeking to support the development of a region with significant potential. During his working visit, Rioux met with several local officials, including the Wali of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, Abdeslam Bekrate, as well as the presidents of the regional and municipal councils. He praised the investments already made and the quality of local infrastructure, emphasizing their role in job creation and responding to the aspirations of the youth. Rioux also expressed his admiration for the region's current momentum, particularly the emergence of private enterprises and the development of industrial zones. He noted that upcoming AFD funding will aim to support local economic actors by offering practical and tailored solutions. He also highlighted the strengthened partnership between the AFD and the OCP Group, particularly in applied research and efforts to decarbonize the agricultural value chain. A major financing agreement in this field was recently signed in Rabat. The French delegation attended presentations on regional and local development programs, part of the new development model for the southern provinces launched by King Mohammed VI in 2015. They also visited several social, educational, and economic projects, including the port of Laayoune and the African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), affiliated with UM6P. This visit is part of the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership between Morocco and France and reflects their shared commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the Kingdom.
