The African Development Bank (AfDB) is stepping up its support for Morocco’s public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives through a new technical assistance program aimed at bolstering infrastructure development in the country. The program focuses on operationalizing Morocco’s regulatory framework for PPPs, enhancing the capacity of the National PPP Commission (CNPPP), and promoting this model as a key driver of public infrastructure growth.
As Morocco faces growing economic and environmental challenges, the government has increasingly turned to PPPs to finance critical infrastructure projects. Despite having a legal framework in place for several years, the use of PPPs has been limited. In response, the AfDB is offering technical assistance to better structure these partnerships and meet the country’s growing demand for modern, sustainable infrastructure.
At the request of Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the AfDB is launching a 24-month technical assistance program dedicated to public-private partnerships. The project, valued at $312,358, will be funded 85% by a grant from the AfDB’s Technical Assistance Fund for Middle-Income Countries, with the remaining 15% covered by the Moroccan government.
The primary goal of the program is to strengthen the capacity of the CNPPP, which is responsible for implementing the new legal framework introduced by recent amendments to Law No. 46-18. These amendments expanded the scope of PPPs to include local authorities and simplified procedures such as unsolicited offers and negotiated contracts. The AfDB’s assistance aims to improve project planning and optimize management, integrating PPPs into Morocco’s sectoral and budgetary strategies.
Over the past few years, Morocco has made significant investments in infrastructure projects, including renewable energy developments, highways, airports, and ports. However, the PPP model has not been widely utilized, despite its potential to reduce the financial burden on the government and improve infrastructure management.
A few high-profile projects, such as the Ouarzazate solar complex and the Rabat-Salé tramway, have been completed under the PPP model, but Morocco’s infrastructure needs continue to grow, particularly in key sectors like water and energy. Pressures on water resources, for example, pose a serious challenge to agriculture and tourism, necessitating large-scale investments that exceed the capacity of the national budget.
To address these challenges, Morocco needs to create an environment that encourages PPP development, which will require better strategic planning, stronger governance, and improved project evaluation.
The AfDB’s technical assistance program includes two key components. The first focuses on creating a national PPP strategy that aligns with Morocco’s new development model and sectoral priorities. This strategy incorporates budget sustainability considerations and extends to critical social sectors like education and health.
The second component involves the establishment of a multi-year PPP project program that will provide clearer visibility on available opportunities. An international consultant will assist the CNPPP in developing this program and in creating a platform to track eligible projects and assess their relevance.
In addition, the program includes training and awareness initiatives to strengthen the skills of teams working on PPP projects, while promoting broader public and private sector engagement through targeted communication efforts.
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