French loan for educational facilities

A loan agreement with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for the construction of the Higher Institute for Applied and Economic Sciences (CNAM) and a training center for teachers (Dar al Moallem) has been approved.

The loan, valued at €21 million ($22 million), aims to support the training mechanism of teachers. It includes technical studies and the construction of the 21,000 square meter (m2) premises. About 6,000 m2 will be dedicated for the construction of CNAM, which includes 32 teaching halls, computer rooms, 11 labs, conference hall, and management offices.

More than 3,600 m2 will dedicated to the construction of the training center, which includes 18 teaching halls, computer rooms, and eight labs and workshops, as well as management offices.

A common area of 1,000 m2 will be used for conferences, waiting halls, and canteen. The rest of the space will be used for parking.

In addition to the loan, the AFD is providing a grant of €9.2 million ($9.75 million) for providing technical support.

The project is expected to be delivered within five years of commencement.