Morocco has secured a substantial funding package of 3.7 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately $402.2 million) to advance its National Water Policy (PNE). The agreement was formalized through a collaborative effort involving the European Union (EU) delegation in Morocco alongside the embassies of Germany, Italy, and France.
The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Equipment and Water, is designed to bolster the country’s water sector governance by focusing on three critical areas: deepening understanding of water resources, enhancing management strategies for extreme weather events, and strengthening institutional capacities. Additionally, the program incorporates technical support and fosters knowledge exchange between Moroccan and European institutions.
Funding for this ambitious project comes from multiple sources, including a €140 million (514.4 million dirhams) contribution from the EU, complemented by three loans totaling 3.2 billion dirhams, secured from European financial institutions.
Morocco faces severe water stress, exacerbated by climate change, rising demand, seven consecutive years of drought, and significant rainfall deficits. To tackle these pressing challenges, the Kingdom has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring water security. These include the construction of new dams, expansion of hydraulic interconnections, reuse of treated wastewater, and implementation of water conservation programs in both potable water and irrigation networks.
The North African nation is also prioritizing seawater desalination as a long-term solution to bolster its water security. This strategic move aims to meet over 50% of the country’s drinking water needs by 2030 and support large-scale agricultural irrigation, thereby strengthening food sovereignty.
