AfDB invests over $2 billion for inclusive growth in North Africa: Key Projects and Initiatives in 2023
In 2023, the African Development Bank (AfDB) strengthened its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth in North Africa by allocating over 2 billion US dollars to various strategic sectors. Under the leadership of Mohamed El Azizi, AfDB’s Director General for North Africa, this outstanding contribution was applauded, highlighting the importance of initiatives to enhance resilience to crises and stimulate shared growth.
The flagship initiative of the year, “Desert to Power,” received funding of over 273 million dollars for the implementation of a 225 kV power interconnection project linking Mauritania to Mali.
This ambitious project, including the construction of solar power plants and a 1,373-kilometer high-voltage transmission line, aims to ensure a transfer of 600 megawatts between the two countries, promoting solar energy production and universal access to electricity.
In Morocco, AfDB invested 270 million euros in two major projects aimed at expanding social coverage and developing new health infrastructure.
These initiatives will contribute to extending social protection to various categories, including non-salaried workers, self-employed individuals, and small businesses, while strengthening access to health services in rural areas.
In Egypt, an allocation of over 677 million dollars was made, including nearly 134 million to support public reforms aimed at unlocking the potential of the private sector and diversifying the economy.
These operations aim to improve the business environment, enhance competition and commercial justice, and promote green growth.
Tunisia received approvals worth nearly 178 million dollars, including 90 million euros to reclaim treated wastewater for use in agriculture.
This project, while reducing energy dependence through solar power, aims to improve water balance and strengthen resilience to climate change.
As for Libya, it benefited from a series of technical assistances funded by AfDB’s Technical Assistance Fund for Middle-Income Countries.
These grant agreements aim to develop the first national strategy for food security and nutrition while enhancing the resilience of the food supply chain to external shocks, such as climate change.
The AfDB’s multinational operations in North Africa, totalling nearly 450 million dollars, demonstrate the bank’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
Yann ETERNEL
