Morocco and EU join forces to secure water resources with €348 million investment

The Moroccan government and the European Union have unveiled a landmark €348 million initiative to bolster the country’s water security strategy. Launched in Rabat, this program aligns with the National Water Plan (PNE) and leverages a blend of EU grants and concessional loans from leading European financial institutions.

The funding structure includes €48 million in EU subsidies, complemented by three concessionary loans totaling approximately €300 million. These funds are mobilized through the JEFIC network via Germany’s KfW, Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Together, they form an “Team Europe” approach to address Morocco’s water challenges.

Key objectives of the water resilience program

The initiative targets critical areas to enhance water management in Morocco:

• Strengthening data and insights on water resources amid climate change pressures
• Bolstering resilience against extreme weather events, including droughts and floods
• Protecting groundwater reserves from depletion and contamination
• Empowering national institutions to implement sustainable water policies

Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, emphasized the program’s role in reinforcing the country’s adaptive water model. He stated, “This partnership ensures the sustainable preservation of water resources in the face of climate variability and extreme events.”

Diplomatic backing for climate adaptation

High-level representatives from the EU and key European nations have voiced strong support for the initiative. Philippe Lalliot, France’s Ambassador to Morocco, highlighted the AFD’s pivotal contributions. Meanwhile, Dimiter Tzantchev, EU Ambassador to Morocco, framed the program within the Morocco-EU Green Partnership and the Mediterranean Pact, both designed to tackle shared climate challenges.

Robert Dölger, Germany’s Ambassador, underscored the KfW’s focus on climate-smart financing and groundwater conservation. Pasquale Salzano, Italy’s Ambassador, tied Italy’s involvement to gender equality, calling it a “strategic asset” for the program’s success.

Strategic alignment with Morocco’s water agenda

This financial commitment will reinforce two key national initiatives: the National Water Plan (PNE) and the National Drinking Water and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI 2020-2027). Together, they aim to modernize water infrastructure, expand access, and ensure long-term sustainability in one of North Africa’s most water-stressed regions.