AfDB boosts transport infrastructure with 'largest Moroccan loan'

29 December 2010

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced the approval of its biggest-ever loan to Morocco to improve transport infrastructure in the country.

Some €300 million (£256 million) has been extended to the north African nation in a bid to increase capacity on the Tangiers-Marrakech railway line.

Infrastructure director at the AfDB Gilbert Mbesherubusa said the loan will offer a boost to rail traffic fluidity and will also raise the frequency of mainline and freight trains.

Journey times on the route between the two cities will be slashed from 2016, he claimed.

Mr Mbesherubusa added: "We are proud to strongly support this project in light of the strategic importance of such infrastructure in the national economy's competitiveness."

His comments follow on from news that the AfDB is planning to invest $806 million (£522 million) in the African transport sector over the coming years, with Morocco, Ghana, Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo named among the beneficiaries.

Category: Transport