Morocco and Japan signed a USD 180 million loan agreement on Friday in Rabat to boost Universal Health Coverage including enhancing maternal and child healthcare services in rural areas.
The agreement was signed by Morocco’s Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, Japanese Ambassador Kuramitsu Hideaki, and representative Kawabata Tomoyuki from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The initiative also aims to enhance nutrition programs and improve healthcare access, particularly for women and children in remote areas.
Japan’s support aligns with Morocco’s 2025 Health Plan, focusing on strengthening the healthcare system, particularly for vulnerable populations.
JICA and Morocco’s Health Ministry have collaborated on a health policy matrix, focusing on expanding universal health coverage.
Ambassador Kuramitsu emphasized that this collaboration exemplifies the strong and historic relations between Japan and Morocco.
Over 40 joint development projects, spanning sectors like infrastructure and agriculture, have been successfully implemented between the two nations. Morocco’s New Development Model targets improved health services and expanded social protection for all citizens by 2035.
By 2035, the program aims to deliver comprehensive social protection and high-quality health services to Morocco’s most vulnerable communities.
Lekjaa highlighted that this agreement marks a significant boost in Morocco’s efforts to achieve healthcare inclusivity.
JICA’s Kawabata reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Morocco’s ambitious health reform agenda under King Mohammed VI.
The USD 180 million loan underscores Morocco’s focus on resilience, inclusion, and solidarity as part of its social protection goals. The agreement serves as another milestone in Morocco’s development journey, strengthening healthcare services across the Kingdom.