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 the 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.”

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.”

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.

About The Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF)

The Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) is a US$ 2.5 billion development initiative launched in 2016 and funded by an unprecedented global coalition including Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Gates Foundation (GF), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). Its goal is to lift the poorest out of poverty across 33 IsDB member countries by addressing 9 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through projects in health, agriculture, and basic infrastructure.

About Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is an autonomous UAE institution, committed to advancing sustainable development worldwide in alignment with the national vision. Established in 1971 by the Abu Dhabi government, dedicated to fostering economic development and sustainability in developing countries. ADFD plays a pivotal role in promoting the UAE’s commitment to global development by financing key projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Additionally, ADFD provides innovative financial solutions that enhance the competitiveness of Emirati exports and support the national private sector in accessing unique investment opportunities. The fund adopts a diversified investment strategy, engaging in direct investments in high-quality projects to stimulate economic growth in partner nations. Over the past half-century, ADFD has supported 106 developing countries, with its projects and investments totaling approximately AED 216 billion. These efforts have significantly contributed to global progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To know more visit www.adfd.ae

About Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, the Foundation works with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their future and achieve their full potential. In the United States, it aims to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the Foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Chair Bill Gates and our board of trustees.

About Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development

The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), established in 2007 as the poverty alleviation arm of the Islamic Development Bank, is dedicated to eradicating poverty and fostering inclusive, equitable growth across IsDB member countries. Through concessional financing and grants, the ISFD empowers vulnerable populations by enhancing productive capacities, creating sustainable income opportunities, and promoting human capital development.

With a particular focus on women and youth as catalysts for sustainable development, the ISFD addresses the root causes of poverty through innovative programs in education, economic empowerment, community development, and health, aiming to drive transformative change within communities.

Through strategic partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank, member countries, donors, and key stakeholders, the Fund delivers targeted interventions that build resilient communities and advance socioeconomic development. Committed to its vision of reducing poverty in the member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the ISFD remains a key driver of sustainable development, aligning its efforts with the broader goals of the Islamic Development Bank and the sustainable development goals.

About King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is Saudi Arabia's helping hand to the world. Since its establishment in 2015, KSRelief has reached over 100 countries in less than a decade, implementing thousands of projects in collaboration with numerous humanitarian partners. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, food security, humanitarian and emergency aid coordination, protection, water and environmental sanitation, education, and more. With a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children, KSRelief has worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of millions in need worldwide.

About Qatar Fund for Development

The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a public institution committed, on behalf of the state of Qatar to implementing foreign aid projects. Since 2012, QFFD has been providing aid to many countries in accordance with international cooperation goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and in line with best practices and standards. QFFD’s main goal is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by addressing global priority issues in education, health, and economic empowerment.