The World Bank Supports Morocco in Launching a New Generation of Local Development Programs
The Regional Director for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in North Africa, Sheikh Omar Sylla, confirmed that the World Bank Group fully supports Morocco’s vision for launching a new generation of local development programs, in accordance with the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
In an interview with the Maghreb Arab Press, on the eve of the fifth African Financial Forum (AFIS) scheduled for November 3-4, 2025, in Casablanca under the theme “Our Capital, Our Strength: Towards African Financial Sovereignty,” Sylla explained that this vision represents a strategic opportunity to deepen cooperation between the World Bank and the Kingdom, promoting inclusive and balanced regional growth.
Sylla noted that achieving regional development in Morocco necessitates a multi-polar approach that combines targeted financing, strengthening institutional capacities, and encouraging investments with a positive impact on local development.
He highlighted some aspects of the partnership between Morocco and the International Finance Corporation, including the financing dedicated to expanding the tramway network in Casablanca, which he considered a model of how structured financing can successfully support major infrastructure projects.
The cooperation with regional investment centers in Marrakech-Safi and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima was also emphasized, aimed at improving the business climate and enhancing investment attractiveness. He pointed out that these initiatives have enabled stakeholders to enhance their capacities to attract investments and support sustainable local development.
Regarding future plans, Sylla confirmed that the organization is currently considering expanding its support to include other regions of the Kingdom, starting from the eastern region, through financing infrastructure projects and enhancing the capacities of local communities, in full alignment with Morocco’s national local development agenda.
