The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Nador West Med – Bétoya Industrial & Logistic Zone have signed a €2.1 million grant agreement in Rabat to support the development of the Nador West Med complex as an attractive, dynamic, and sustainable economic zone in Morocco.
Signed by Haytham Eissa, EBRD Director and Head of Morocco, and Mohamed Jamal Benjelloun, CEO of Nador West Med, the agreement will fund a Technical Cooperation (TC) program designed to assist Nador West Med in preparation for the operational launch of the industrial-port complex.
This program, complementing the €120 million financing provided by the EBRD to NWM in 2025, aims to digitalize management and operational processes, integrate resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions, and strengthen the institutional and implementation capacities of the managing entity.
A key focus will be the acceleration of digitalization in BILZ through the development of a fully automated one-stop shop, offering investors an integrated and streamlined experience to facilitate business establishment and enhance the zone’s attractiveness to national and international investors.
Additionally, a dedicated team will support the preparation of a sustainable infrastructure plan to integrate climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions from the planning phase, ensuring the long-term resilience of the zone.
Recognizing that infrastructure investments must be accompanied by human capital development, the TC program will also provide targeted support to build and consolidate technical, managerial, and cross-functional skills of NWM personnel. This effort will enable optimal launch and operation of the port complex and adjacent business zones, while fostering a culture of continuous performance improvement.
Haytham Eissa highlighted that the program reflects the EBRD’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s regional development and enhancing its economic competitiveness. He added that combining digital innovation, sustainable infrastructure planning, and skills development positions Nador West Med as a leading industrial and logistics hub, attracting foreign direct investment, boosting industrial competitiveness, and creating jobs, while ensuring benefits for local communities and inclusive regional growth.
Morocco, a founding member of the EBRD, became a country of operations in 2012. To date, the bank has invested nearly €6 billion in 125 projects across the Kingdom.
