The first official visit by Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (BEI), to Morocco has underscored the North African nation’s pivotal position as a connector between Africa and Europe. During her three-day working visit, Calviño emphasized Morocco’s growing importance as a stabilizing force and economic bridge in the region.

Morocco emerges as Europe’s strategic partner

The visit coincided with the 21st anniversary of the BEI’s permanent presence in Morocco. High-level meetings included discussions with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Affairs, and Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance.

Calviño described Morocco as “a strategic partner for Europe,” highlighting the country’s role in fostering shared prosperity, security, and stability across North Africa and the broader European neighborhood. The visit reinforced the deepening strategic partnership between the BEI and Morocco, with particular focus on sustainable development and economic resilience.

A dedicated transport infrastructure plan

During her meetings in Rabat, Calviño signed financing agreements with Moroccan authorities totaling €365 million. These funds will be allocated to enhance the resilience and modernization of Morocco’s rail and highway systems, with a strong emphasis on climate adaptation.

The rail infrastructure package includes €15 million in EU grants specifically earmarked for climate resilience measures, to be managed by the Moroccan National Railways Office. Additionally, a €50 million BEI loan will support these initiatives. The remaining €300 million will focus on improving the safety and resilience of Morocco’s national highway network, under the management of the Moroccan National Highways Company.

These investments align with the BEI’s broader strategy to promote safer, more sustainable transportation networks across its partner countries.

Half a century of partnership and €12 billion in investments

Since establishing operations in Morocco nearly five decades ago, the BEI has mobilized over €12 billion across diverse sectors including SMEs, renewable energy, healthcare, water management, and education. During her visit, Calviño toured a public school in Rabat to observe a music performance by students as part of the “Morocco 88” initiative—a program supported by the Moroccan Ministry of National Education and the BEI that fosters youth development through extracurricular music clubs in secondary schools.

Highlighting Morocco’s economic reforms under King Mohammed VI, Calviño praised the country’s strengthened macroeconomic framework and financial stability. These reforms have enhanced investor confidence and enabled large-scale capital mobilization, reinforcing Morocco’s appeal as a destination for international investment.