EBRD earmarks €145 m for backing Moroccan economy

22 / 04 / 2020

By Marwa Nassar - -

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) allocated a €145 million financing facility to Bank of Africa – BMCE Group to support Moroccan economy in the face of coronavirus.

This is the first investment to be delivered under the EBRD’s coronavirus Resilience Framework that was set up to meet the immediate short-term liquidity and working capital needs of existing clients.

The Framework is a key element in the EBRD’s Solidarity Package Covid-19 response and recovery program.

Under the agreement with Bank of Africa – BMCE Group, the EBRD will provide a €100 million loan for on-lending to corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises that are experiencing a decrease in activity, turnover and profitability, to help them address their liquidity needs.

In addition, the EBRD is increasing an existing uncommitted multi-currency trade finance limit by $ 50 million to facilitate export and import transactions.

Marie-Alexandra Veilleux-Laborie, EBRD Director, Head of Morocco, said: “We are very proud to roll out our swift support to the Moroccan economy by partnering with Bank of Africa – BMCE Group. This financial package is key for the resilience of Moroccan small businesses and for strengthening trade operations, which are much needed in this global crisis.”

Brahim Benjelloun-Touimi, Executive General Manager of Bank of Africa – BMCE Group, commented: “Our partnership with the EBRD was sealed several years ago and this new transaction will allow Bank of Africa BMCE Group to further strengthen its commitment to Moroccan companies, in particular to the refinancing of their foreign trade operations, as globally, markets are facing difficulties in terms of foreign exchange liquidity.”

The coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact present an unprecedented challenge to the regions wherethe EBRD invests. The Bank is providing immediate support to affected companies. As a first step, the EBRD unveiled a €1 billion Resilience Framework for existing clients within its initial Solidarity Package, which was approved by its shareholders on 13 March. Responding to huge demand, the EBRD plans to increase the amount available under the emergency facility.