Morocco water policy eu funds major investment in rabats water security
Morocco has launched a landmark €402.2 million (3.7 billion Moroccan dirhams) water policy initiative in collaboration with the European Union delegation and the embassies of Germany, Italy, and France. This program, unveiled by the Ministry of Equipment and Water, is designed to reinforce the country’s water governance through targeted investments and technical cooperation.
key priorities and funding breakdown
The initiative focuses on three core areas: enhancing water resource knowledge, strengthening management of extreme weather events, and building institutional capacity within the water sector. A portion of the funding—€61.6 million (514.4 million dirhams)—comes directly from the European Union, while the remaining €340.6 million (3.2 billion dirhams) is secured through loans from European financial institutions.
addressing a growing water crisis
Morocco faces severe water stress, driven by climate change, rising demand, seven consecutive years of drought, and persistent rainfall deficits. To counter these challenges, the Kingdom is implementing a multi-pronged strategy that includes:
- Expanding dam construction to increase water storage capacity;
- Developing hydraulic interconnections to redistribute resources across regions;
- Adopting wastewater recycling for agricultural and potable use;
- Rolling out nationwide water conservation programs in both drinking water and irrigation networks.
desalination as a strategic pillar
The program places strong emphasis on seawater desalination, positioning it as a cornerstone of Morocco’s long-term water security. By 2030, the country aims to meet over 50% of its drinking water needs through desalination plants, while also expanding irrigation coverage to enhance food self-sufficiency.
