ISFD Participates in Lives and Livelihoods Fund Donors' Visit to Morocco

Lives and Livelihoods Fund Donors' Visit to Morocco Highlights Transformative and Sustainable Impact in Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima Region

Rabat, Morocco, 10 February 2025 – A high-level delegation of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) international donors conducted an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco from February 10 to 14, 2025.

The visit focused on evaluating the progress and impact of the LLF-funded Inclusive Rural Growth Project which has been instrumental in transforming the lives of tens of thousands of people through a series of impactful initiatives in agriculture, health, and basic infrastructure.

The Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) is a leading international development initiative jointly funded by a global coalition of prominent donors, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the Gates Foundation (GF), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

The Inclusive Rural Growth Project in Morocco, funded at over US$112 million is currently in its fourth year of implementation. This ambitious initiative aims to drive sustainable economic development and reduce poverty in the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region. It is enhancing high-value agricultural value chains, expanding rural infrastructure, and strengthening healthcare services. Key milestones include the development of 17,000 hectares of high-value tree crops, mostly olive tree plantations, directly benefiting 16,500 people, including 3,308 smallholder farmers and the construction of 235 kilometers of rural roads, significantly improving market access for smallholder farmers. The project has also modernized healthcare facilities, including health and neonatal centers, trained 450 paramedics, and is undergoing the construction of a provincial hospital in Ouazzane— which will positively impact over 133,000 people.

The visit started with high-level meetings with Moroccan officials which were held in Rabat to discuss the existing cooperation and explore opportunities for further collaboration within the LLF framework. The donor delegation held separate meetings with Mr. Abdelouahab Belmadani, Director of Planning and Financial Resources at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection; Mr. Redouane Arrach, Secretary General of the Agriculture Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests; and Mr. Mohamed Cheikh Dkhil, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Economy and Finance.

The delegation also conducted field visits across the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region, giving donor representatives a firsthand look at the project's tangible impact and benefits for local communities. On the first day, the itinerary included a visit to the Health Center and Mobile Clinics in Oued Laou, followed by a tour of the Tassift irrigated perimeter’s development and modernization site. After a scenic drive on day two, the delegates arrived in Ouazzane and witnessed the undergoing construction of the Provincial Hospital. They also explored the olive tree plantation perimeter and newly constructed rural roads, witnessing the project's role in boosting agricultural productivity and connectivity.

On the occasion of the LLF donors’ visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, IsDB Group Chairman, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, stated: “The LLF’s investment in Morocco underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. By supporting critical sectors and strengthening strategic partnerships, we are enhancing social and economic resilience, improving livelihoods, and creating long-term opportunities for communities. Morocco’s forward-looking vision aligns with our mission, making it a key priority for impactful and transformative investments.”

In addition, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, stated: “By investing in the LLF, we invest in the socio-economic transformation of our partner countries. The Inclusive Rural Growth Project in Morocco is a powerful example of how our collective efforts can transform lives and communities. Through this project, we have enhanced the livelihoods of thousands in rural areas, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to build a brighter, more sustainable future.”

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, highlighted: "The Inclusive Rural Growth Project in Morocco is an outstanding example of how collective efforts can create meaningful change. In partnership with the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), this initiative is addressing poverty, improving infrastructure, enhancing healthcare access, and empowering local farmers, transforming the lives of thousands in rural communities while fostering long-term economic growth for future generations.”

Dr. Hiba Ahmed, Director General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), highlighted the significance of this project within the context of the ISFD's mandate to alleviate poverty. She noted: “As a leading contributor to the LLF, we provide essential financial support to drive meaningful change. Initiatives such as Morocco’s Inclusive Rural Growth Project highlight this impact, enabling communities to build resilience, improve livelihoods, and enhance their quality of life. These efforts reflect our dedication to promoting sustainable development and creating lasting, positive outcomes for populations in need.” Protected

Mr. Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director General of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), stated: “The LLF project in Morocco exemplifies our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving lives. Through this initiative, we aim to empower communities, enhance economic opportunities, and build a brighter future for all. With outstanding partnerships, we continue to promote peace and justice through sustainable and inclusive development”

Finally, Mrs. Zahira El Marzouki, Head of Middle East Relations at Gates foundation, stated during the visit: “We continue to see the impact of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund as a collaborative platform to support long-term changes to uplift lives in the most vulnerable communities. It is humbling to see first-hand the progress that we have made together with our partners, public authorities and local organizations to improve primary healthcare services and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Northern Morocco.”

Throughout the visit, the delegation was warmly welcomed by local residents and beneficiaries who shared their experiences of improved livelihoods. Engaging with community members and local officials, the delegation reaffirmed LLF’s commitment to sustainable rural development and inclusive growth in Morocco.