The African Development Bank Group and the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) have strengthened their partnership to advance regional integration, expand youth employment, and increase the impact of investments across the Maghreb.
At a high-level Joint Steering Committee held on 15 December 2025 in Tunis, the two institutions reviewed regional economic conditions, including the impact of global shocks, lessons from the Bank's North Africa portfolio, and priorities for a new three-year cooperation roadmap (2026-2029).
"Regional integration has been central to the African Development Bank's mandate since its inception," said Malinne Blomberg, Deputy Director General for North Africa at the African Development Bank Group. "Through this partnership with the AMU, we are committed to supporting transformative projects capable of sustainably reshaping Maghreb economies inclusively and for the benefit of their populations."
Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Bank's Regional Integration Coordination Office, highlighted opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). "Renewed dialogue between our two institutions and the dynamic cooperation that flows from it--supported by the active involvement of the private sector, which has a pivotal role to play--will enable the Maghreb regional integration agenda to advance further than ever before."
The meeting also focused on youth and women's employment, recognising its importance for the region's stability and prosperity. Discussions highlighted the Maghreb's untapped intra-regional trade potential and the role of the private sector in developing regional value chains, promoting the AfCFTA, and diversifying economies. Key areas identified for action include regional infrastructure, energy and digital connectivity, food security, and statistics development.
"Against the backdrop of economic, climate, and geopolitical challenges, the partnership between the AMU and the African Development Bank is crucial for advancing regional integration and strengthening resilience," said Amina Selmane, Director of the Arab Maghreb Union.
The African Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the AMU and its member states in building a more integrated and inclusive Maghreb, aligned with the sustainable growth goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063.
About the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU):
The Arab Maghreb Union is an economic and political organisation comprising five Maghreb countries--Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Mauritania--with the headquarters of its General Secretariat located in Rabat, Morocco. Established in February 1989, the AMU aims to foster fraternity among its Member States and facilitate the free movement of goods and people.
