Morocco, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) delegation in Morocco and the embassies of Germany, Italy, and France, has launched a 3.7 billion Moroccan dirham (approximately $402.2 million) program to fund the National Water Policy (PNE).

This initiative, outlined in an official statement from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, is designed to bolster the country’s efforts in enhancing water sector governance through three key priorities: deepening water resource awareness, optimizing the management of extreme weather events, and strengthening institutional capacities within the sector. The program also includes technical assistance and knowledge exchange between Moroccan and European institutions.

The financial package comprises a €514.4 million contribution from the European Union, alongside three loans totaling 3.2 billion Moroccan dirhams, secured from European financial institutions.

Morocco faces severe water stress, exacerbated by climate change, rising water demand, seven consecutive years of drought, and significant rainfall deficits.

To tackle these pressing challenges, the Kingdom has rolled out multiple initiatives aimed at securing water access. These include the construction of dams, expansion of hydraulic interconnections, reuse of wastewater, and implementation of water-saving programs across potable water and irrigation networks.

Additionally, Morocco is prioritizing seawater desalination as a long-term solution to bolster its water security. The strategy aims to meet over 50% of drinking water needs by 2030 and support large-scale agricultural irrigation, thereby reinforcing food sovereignty.