UNCDF in Morocco
West and Central Africa and the Caribbean Region
Investment grant
Our work
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the Government of Morocco and the Municipality of Chefchaouen, has implemented a pioneering investment to modernize the city’s public lighting system. Using innovative reimbursable grant model, UNCDF provided catalytic financing to support the transition to an energy-efficient LED-based network.
Chefchaouen energy-efficient public lighting modernization project
This flagship UNCDF project demonstrates how performance-based financing can modernize municipal infrastructure while preserving fiscal sustainability. The financing agreement was signed on 18 November 2022, with investment works carried out during 2024.
The project has upgraded Chefchaouen’s public lighting system to improve energy efficiency, enhance public safety, and strengthen the city’s urban landscape. The total investment reached USD 1.42 million, financed through a blend of USD 400,000 reimbursable grant and a USD 200,000 grant from UNCDF, complemented by national and municipal contributions.
Public lighting in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Photo: Chefchaouen Municipality.
Completed at the end of 2024, the project reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs, improved public lighting services and reduced municipal energy expenditures.
The first and second reimbursable grant repayment were completed on time in 2024 and 2025, 100% funded directly from energy savings. The project confirms the financial viability of the model and positions Chefchaouen as a reference for energy-efficient municipal infrastructure financing in Morocco.
Supporting climate adaptation and resilient agribusiness value chains
The Africa Adaptation Initiative/Food Security Accelerator (AAI/FSA) is a pan‑African programme, running from 2023 to 2028, that deploys catalytic capital and technical support to scale climate-resilient, nature‑positive agribusinesses across the continent. Under this initiative, UNCDF has financed high‑impact transactions in multiple countries—including Jodoor in Morocco, Aerobic Agroforestry Limited in Nigeria, Agrobiotech in Mali, including others as part of its mandate to strengthen food systems, unlock private investment, and enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers. In Morocco, the AAI/FSA project supported Jodoor’s expansion of hydroponic solutions for water-scarce environments, complementing similar transactions that collectively advance food security, sustainable production, and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
Building on the successful results of this pilot, UNCDF is scaling this pilot to 10 additional municipalities across the Tangier–Tétouan-Al Hoceima region. A total of USD 25 million is being mobilized to expand energy-efficient public lighting and advance sustainable urban development.
Hydroponic agriculture supported by UNCDF’s AAI/FSA programme in Morocco, demonstrating nature-positive solutions for climate adaptation and food security. Photo: UNCDF.
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Our partners
This initiative was implemented in partnership with the Government of Morocco, through the Ministry of Interior, the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region, and the Municipality of Chefchaouen.
This project was financed under the International Municipal Investment Fund (IMIF), a joint initiative of UNCDF, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the World Cities Development Fund (FMDV).
Resources were mobilized through the IMIF Technical Assistance Facility (IMIF-TAF), supported by voluntary contributions from UN Member States, the European Union, and bilateral partners including AFD (France), GIZ (Germany).
Documents
This section brings together key documents related to UNCDF’s work in the country. It includes a curated selection of publications, papers, and reports that reflect the scope of engagement at country level, from programme design to implementation and outcomes.
These documents offer additional context on how initiatives are developed and delivered, and how partnerships contribute to advancing national priorities. They are intended to support transparency, facilitate knowledge sharing and serve as a practical resource for partners, stakeholders and others seeking a deeper understanding of UNCDF’s work.
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Contact us
For questions about UNCDF’s work in Morocco, including partnerships, investment opportunities or ongoing initiatives, please contact: esaa.region@uncdf.org.
