In an ambitious move to bolster water security, Morocco and the European Union have unveiled a groundbreaking program valued at 3.7 billion Moroccan dirhams (348 million euros). Launched in Rabat, this initiative is designed to reinforce the country’s National Water Plan (PNE) through a blend of grants and concessional loans from three leading European financial institutions.
a collaborative funding model under the european team approach
The program’s financing structure is a testament to collaborative international effort, combining 514.4 million Moroccan dirhams (48 million euros) in EU grants with nearly 3.2 billion Moroccan dirhams (300 million euros) in low-interest loans. These funds are being mobilized through the JEFIC network by three key players: Germany’s Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and France’s Agence française de développement (AFD).
addressing climate challenges and water scarcity
The initiative aims to tackle pressing environmental concerns by enhancing understanding of water resources amid climate change, improving management of extreme weather events like droughts and floods, protecting groundwater reserves, and strengthening institutional capacities in the water sector. Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, emphasized the urgency of adapting the country’s water strategy to climate pressures, noting that this program will support sustainable water resource preservation.
key stakeholders highlight shared priorities
Philippe Lalliot, France’s ambassador to Morocco, underscored the pivotal role of AFD in driving this initiative forward. Meanwhile, Dimiter Tzantchev, the EU’s ambassador to Morocco, framed the program within the broader Morocco-EU Green Partnership and the Mediterranean Pact, both of which prioritize joint climate action. Robert Dölger, Germany’s ambassador, highlighted Germany’s focus on climate adaptation and groundwater conservation through KfW’s targeted funding. Italy’s contribution, led by ambassador Pasquale Salzano, was tied to gender equality as a critical factor in the program’s success.
alignment with national water strategies
The new funding will directly reinforce Morocco’s National Water Plan and the National Program for Drinking Water and Irrigation (PNAEPI) 2020-2027, ensuring long-term water accessibility and resilience for communities and agriculture.
