Morocco has finalized a landmark agreement with the European Union (EU) delegation in Morocco, alongside diplomatic missions from Germany, Italy, and France, to launch a 3.7 billion Moroccan dirham (approximately $402.2 million) program dedicated to the National Water Policy (PNE).
The initiative, as outlined in an official statement from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, is designed to bolster the country’s water sector governance through three key pillars: deepening knowledge of water resources, enhancing management of extreme weather events, and strengthening institutional capacities. The program also includes technical assistance and knowledge-sharing initiatives between Moroccan and European institutions.
The financial package includes a €76 million contribution from the EU, complemented by three loans totaling 3.2 billion Moroccan dirhams, sourced from European financial institutions.
Morocco faces escalating water stress, exacerbated by climate change, rising demand, seven consecutive years of drought, and persistent rainfall deficits. To counter these pressing challenges, the Kingdom has prioritized critical infrastructure projects, including dam construction, expanded hydraulic interconnections, wastewater recycling, and water conservation programs for potable and irrigation networks.
The country is also advancing seawater desalination as a cornerstone of its long-term water security strategy. This approach aims to meet over 50% of drinking water needs by 2030 while supporting large-scale agricultural irrigation—key to enhancing food self-sufficiency.
