Speaking at a conference as part of the inaugural day of “Paris Infraweek” (November 4 to 8), one of the main European meetings dedicated to infrastructure financing, Mr. Seddiki indicated that since the accession at the Throne of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom has made exceptional progress in the development of its infrastructure.
Morocco, he said, is “ranked number one for the quality of infrastructure in Africa.” Thanks to strategic investments in the port, rail, road, air and digital sectors, the Kingdom offers an attractive environment for cutting-edge companies and strengthens its global connections, underlined Mr. Seddiki during this conference on the theme: “Morocco -France-Infrastructures: towards new models of partnerships”.
He indicated in this context that the New Development Model (NMD) draws an ambitious roadmap for Morocco by 2035, aiming to create “inclusive and sustainable growth”.
The Kingdom indeed aspires to strengthen regional connectivity through the expansion of road, rail and port networks, he said, emphasizing in particular the importance of improving the sustainable management of water and the development of new renewable energy capacities.
Morocco is committed to accelerating its energy transition by targeting 62% of its energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030 and by developing infrastructure to support green hydrogen and batteries, noted the DG of AMDIE .
Highlighting the important role of private investment in favor of development, Mr. Seddiki specified that between 2011 and 2021 Morocco stood out for its dynamism in terms of public-private partnership (PPP) with nearly 12 billion euros in cumulative transactions.
And to specify that as part of the deployment of the new investment charter, a portfolio of nearly 100 PPP projects estimated at nearly 14 billion euros is deployed in sectors such as transport, water, waste management, health and education.
Furthermore, the Moroccan official noted that preparations for the 2030 World Cup also represent a catalyst for modernizing sports infrastructure, with a budget of 5 billion euros planned for projects linked to this global competition, dedicated notably the construction and modernization of stadiums, as well as the improvement of transport infrastructure.
“We are co-organizing this World Cup with our European partners, we can co-write the new phase of socio-economic development of the Kingdom, and enjoy the Time of Morocco together,” concluded Mr. Seddiki.
Organized by the French Ministry of Economy and Finance and Paris Europlace – an organization representing the financial center of the French capital, “Paris Infraweek” brings together nearly 2,500 participants each year, from all ecosystems in the sector. Its objective is to decipher the latest trends in infrastructure development and financing, while promoting the creation of partnerships and cooperation, both on an industrial and financial level.
This edition, which is being held on the theme “infrastructure at the heart of global decarbonization”, focuses on the central role of the latter in the ecological and digital transition of economies, as well as in their contribution to green reindustrialization.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Mr. Seddiki, Director General of AMDIE
Editor: Welcome, Mr. Seddiki! It’s an honor to have you with us. You recently spoke at the Paris Infraweek conference about Morocco’s remarkable progress in infrastructure development. What do you believe sets Morocco apart as a leader in infrastructure within Africa?
Mr. Seddiki: Thank you for having me! Morocco’s position as the number one country for infrastructure quality in Africa stems from several strategic initiatives taken since King Mohammed VI ascended the throne. We have made substantial investments in various sectors, including ports, railways, roads, air travel, and digital infrastructure. These developments have created a conducive environment for businesses and enhanced our global connectivity.
Editor: That’s impressive. You mentioned the New Development Model (NMD) aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth by 2035. Could you elaborate on how this model will reshape Morocco’s infrastructure landscape?
Mr. Seddiki: Certainly. The NMD provides a comprehensive roadmap for our country’s development. It emphasizes the importance of regional connectivity through the expansion of our transport networks—road, rail, and port systems. Additionally, it highlights the need for sustainable water management and the growth of renewable energy sources. By 2030, we aim for 62% of our energy capacity to come from renewables, which will require significant infrastructure upgrades.
Editor: Renewable energy is undoubtedly vital for sustainable growth. What specific initiatives is Morocco pursuing to support this energy transition and the development of green technologies, such as hydrogen and batteries?
Mr. Seddiki: We are committed to accelerating our energy transition by establishing infrastructure capable of supporting green hydrogen production and battery technologies. This involves collaboration with private investors and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. Our goal is not just to meet our domestic energy needs sustainably but also to position Morocco as a regional hub for green technology.
Editor: Speaking of collaboration, you highlighted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Morocco’s development. Can you share some insights on the success of PPPs in infrastructure financing between 2011 and 2021?
Mr. Seddiki: Yes, during that period, Morocco witnessed a tremendous surge in PPP activity, with nearly 12 billion euros in cumulative transactions. This reflects a strong commitment from both the public and private sectors to invest in infrastructure projects. By leveraging resources and expertise from private partners, we’ve been able to enhance the quality and efficiency of infrastructure development across the country.
Editor: Morocco’s efforts are commendable. What challenges do you foresee in achieving these ambitious infrastructure goals, and how does the government plan to address them?
Mr. Seddiki: While we are optimistic about our goals, challenges remain, including financing, regulatory frameworks, and the need for skilled labor. To address these, we are continuously improving our regulatory environment to make it more conducive for investments. Additionally, we are focusing on training and capacity building to ensure we have the skilled workforce necessary to support our infrastructure projects.
Editor: It sounds like Morocco is paving the way for a bright future. In your view, how can Morocco’s model be a source of inspiration for other countries in Africa aiming to improve their infrastructure?
Mr. Seddiki: Our success demonstrates the power of long-term vision, strategic investments, and strong public-private partnerships. Other African nations can adopt similar models by prioritizing infrastructure as a foundation for growth and development. It’s about creating a cohesive strategy that engages various stakeholders and addresses the unique needs of each country.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Seddiki, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that Morocco is on an exciting path towards sustainable development and global connectivity. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold in the years to come.
Mr. Seddiki: Thank you for the opportunity! We are excited about the future and remain committed to driving progress in Morocco and beyond.