- The African Development Bank (AfDB) has rated Morocco’s transmission and rural electrification programme as satisfactory to very satisfactory.
- The project has expanded grid infrastructure, boosted renewable energy integration, and pushed electricity access to nearly 100%.
The Electricity Transmission Network Development and Rural Electrification Programme (PDRTE-ER) in Morocco has delivered strong results. The African Development Bank (AfDB) rated the programme “satisfactory” to “very satisfactory” in its latest evaluation.
The Moroccan National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) leads the programme. The AfDB supports it through financing and oversight. The evaluation highlights major progress in transmission infrastructure. The project delivered 254 kilometres of high-voltage lines, including 244.85 kilometres at 400 kV.
In addition, the programme commissioned a 225/60 kV substation. These upgrades have improved grid stability, especially in Casablanca Central and Southern regions. The AfDB noted that the infrastructure supports renewable energy integration. This aligns with Morocco’s broader energy transition strategy.
Rural electrification has also advanced significantly. The programme connected 937 villages, exceeding the initial target by 30 percent. As a result, nearly 20,000 households gained access to electricity. The national electrification rate has now reached 99.91 percent.
Meanwhile, the rollout relied on extensive network expansion. It included 1,261 kilometres of medium-voltage lines and 3,898 kilometres of low-voltage lines.
Furthermore, the programme installed 719 substations. These investments have improved living conditions and supported local economic growth. At the sector level, renewable energy capacity has increased. Its share in installed capacity rose to 45.5 percent from an initial 33.84 percent.
Peak electricity capacity has reached 7,580 megawatts. Meanwhile, net energy demand has climbed to over 45 million gigawatt-hours. These gains have strengthened energy security for industries. They have also enhanced the attractiveness of key regions for investment.
The programme has delivered economic benefits as well. It has created 243 permanent jobs and 744 temporary positions. Implementation has progressed steadily. The AfDB reported a contract commitment rate of 93.60 percent and a disbursement level of 45.23 percent.
The bank classified the programme as “not potentially problematic.” This rating reinforces Morocco’s credibility with international donors. However, some challenges remain. Technical and procurement issues have affected the 225 kV Laawamar Oulad Haddou line.
ONEE has also introduced corrective measures to address these delays. The agency aims to meet the disbursement deadline of June 30, 2028. Despite these issues, the AfDB said the programme remains on track. It added that the initiative strengthens Morocco’s position as a regional leader in electrification and energy transition.