Helene Lindbergh

Agadir’s 2020–2024 Urban Development Program includes an 88.84 million dirham underpass project to improve traffic on the northeast bypass. Scheduled for May 2027, it will connect the port to Al Massira Airport, ease congestion, and support economic growth. A parallel 171.7 million dirham road section and planned extension to Taghazout further enhance regional accessibility.

Middle East crises since February 2026 could cut Africa’s growth by 0.2 points, driven by surging energy, fertilizer, and food prices, supply disruptions, and currency volatility. Heavy reliance on Gulf imports worsens impacts on inflation, agriculture, and households. Despite resilience, experts urge fiscal discipline, diversification, and stronger regional trade to mitigate ongoing economic risks.

Bank of Africa strengthened Sino-African ties by signing partnerships in Beijing with CIEC Group and CCCME to boost trade, investment, and business opportunities. The agreements support African participation in the 2027 CISCE, promote industrial projects, and expand cooperation. Leveraging its international network, the bank will facilitate financing, partnerships, and cross-border growth between China and Africa.

At its 151st session in Lomé, BOAD approved eleven operations worth 344.577 billion FCFA, raising total financing since 1973 to 10,834.1 billion. The board reviewed debt recovery, strategic partnerships, and forecasts. Investments target agriculture, transport, energy, and industry across West Africa, reinforcing food security, infrastructure, private sector growth, and regional development priorities and resilience overall.

Morocco's economy grew 4.6% in Q1 2026, driven by a strong agricultural rebound offsetting declines in industry. Services expanded moderately while household consumption supported domestic demand. However, investment slowed and the trade deficit widened due to rising imports. Despite higher national savings, structural weaknesses persist, raising concerns about the sustainability of future economic growth

The Fes-Meknes region produced an estimated 18.4 million quintals of cereals for the 2025–2026 season, driven by a 70% increase in rainfall to 715 mm. Improved water resources revived agriculture across 762,073 hectares, mainly rainfed. Soft wheat dominated output, and harvesting reached 76% completion, supported by expanded mechanization and improved yields.

Casablanca Stock Exchange activity in Q1 2026 was dominated by UCITS funds and Moroccan legal entities, which accounted for 65.5% of trading volume. Despite lower volumes and falling indices, market participation increased, with more orders and contracts. Institutional investors remained key drivers, while foreign investors showed renewed but cautious buying interest.

Bank of Africa launched the “SME Pact, BOA & Maroc PME” to support Moroccan MSMEs through financing, advisory services, partnerships, and growth solutions. The initiative targets business structuring, competitiveness, resilience, and scaling, addressing financing gaps and helping SMEs become stronger contributors to job creation, innovation, and Morocco's economic transformation.

From October 1st, Morocco will cut card interchange fees to 0.50% and 0.15% for small merchants and public services to boost digital payments. Yet savings may not reach merchants, classifying eligible businesses is complex, and foreign cards are excluded. The reform pressures banks' models, may create uneven markets, and tests competition, transparency, and system resilience.

Senegal's upcoming choice of debt advisor, with Lazard reportedly leading the race, reflects a broader strategic decision. Rather than pursuing traditional debt restructuring alone, Dakar may explore innovative solutions such as liability management, targeted refinancing, and regional financing tools. The decision will reveal Senegal's vision for financial sovereignty, economic flexibility, and long-term recovery.