During her first official visit to Morocco as President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño underscored the strategic importance of the North African nation as a bridge between Africa and Europe. The visit marked the 21st anniversary of the EIB’s permanent presence in Morocco.

Strengthening strategic partnership

In a meeting with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Calviño reaffirmed the EIB’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s growth, prosperity and social development. She described Morocco as a “strategic partner for Europe,” emphasizing its role as a pillar of stability, security and shared prosperity for both Africa and Europe.

The visit also highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between the EIB and Morocco, with Calviño noting significant progress in economic reforms under King Mohammed VI. These reforms have strengthened Morocco’s macroeconomic framework, boosting investor confidence and enabling large-scale investment mobilization.

Transport infrastructure boost

During her stay in Rabat, Calviño also met with Nadia Fettah, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, to review cooperation efforts and finalize investment plans. The visit culminated in the signing of several agreements combining loans and grants totaling 365 million euros for transport and structural resilience projects.

The transport-focused plan includes 300 million euros for highway infrastructure improvements managed by Morocco’s National Highway Company, while 50 million euros will be provided as an EIB loan. An additional 15 million euros in grants will support climate adaptation measures for the national rail network, administered by the Moroccan National Railways Office.

These initiatives align with the EIB’s broader strategy to promote safer, more sustainable transportation systems in partner countries.

Five decades of cooperation

The EIB has been a key partner in Morocco’s development for nearly five decades, mobilizing over 12 billion euros across diverse sectors including SMEs, renewable energy, healthcare, water and education.

Calviño’s visit included a symbolic stop at a public school in Rabat, where she attended a musical performance by students participating in the “Morocco 88” project — an extracurricular music club initiative supported by the Moroccan Ministry of National Education and the EIB. The project fosters youth development, social cohesion and educational growth.

Reflecting on Morocco’s economic progress, Calviño praised the structural reforms implemented under King Mohammed VI, which have enhanced the country’s financial resilience and attracted international investment. She noted that these reforms have positioned Morocco as an attractive destination for large-scale investments.