"In 2023, we will reach 800 million euros in terms of new projects, 500 million euros for public projects, and 300 million euros for private operators," Tarsim said in an interview with MAP on the sidelines of the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"Morocco has been the AfDB's leading partner in recent years. It still is and will remain so in the future," said Tarsim, noting that over the past 50 years, the AfDB has been able to deploy a whole range of projects in different sectors, making it a "privileged, exceptional, and exemplary partnership."

He noted that this exceptional partnership has achieved significant results and is still being developed in collaboration with the Moroccan authorities as well as public and private sector operators.

"Other financing agreements will be signed before the end of the year, focusing in particular on local authorities and regional development," said Tarsim, noting the AfDB's commitment to reach one billion euros of financing per year to support projects that address both inclusion and resilience, in line with the Moroccan government's priorities.

Regarding investment in energy infrastructure, he noted that Morocco has been setting an example since 2009 with solar energy projects such as the "Noor Ouarzazate" complex, on which the Bank has been able to support the government's efforts.

"These are concrete examples that show that we can have African solutions to African problems," he added, citing also the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline "which demonstrates that we are on the right track to be able to further integrate African countries through a joint project and ensure a fairer and faster energy transition."

He took the opportunity to praise the efforts of the Moroccan government, which is investing in airports to make Morocco an African hub, highlighting Casa Finance City as "a gateway" to Africa to attract international business to Morocco and Africa.

"We should also mention the African Agriculture Adaptation (AAA) initiative, which has major implications for Africa's development agenda," he added.

"There are many examples to which the AfDB has contributed, and which could also inspire other African countries," he concluded.