The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Moroccan government have signed three agreements worth a staggering $282 million in a move aimed at bolstering the healthcare and social protection systems in Morocco.
The agreements, signed during a ceremony held in the capital city of Rabat, cover the Support Programme for Inclusive Access to Health Infrastructures, comprehensive social coverage for Moroccans, and the financing of the Al Haouz Earthquake Emergency Assistance.
It aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare facilities across Morocco by pledging $127 million (MAD 1.3 billion) to the health sector in Morocco.
The agreements also include $158 million (MAD 1.6 billion) for social programmes to improve employability. Finally, $1 million (MAD 10 million) is set to assist the government in its emergency assistance for the Al Haouz region, which was recently hit by a devastating earthquake.
The earthquake, which took nearly 3,000 lives and injured over 5,000 more, pushed the government into introducing a $11.7 billion (MAD 120 billion) programme to rehabilitate and reconstruct the affected areas.
The AfDB has been a close development actor for Morocco. Recently, the bank mobilised more than €400 million in funding for healthcare and the development of a sustainable road network in Morocco.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from both the AfDB and the Moroccan government, who emphasised the importance of these agreements in transforming the country’s healthcare and social protection sectors.
They acknowledged the need to address existing gaps and inequalities to ensure that all citizens can access vital services and support during times of need.
The Moroccan government expressed its gratitude to the AfDB for its continuous support and reaffirmed its dedication to implementing effective policies and programmes that prioritise the well-being of its people. It is hoped that with these agreements and ongoing collaborations, Morocco will further strengthen its healthcare and social protection systems, fostering a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.
