Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has transformed its dam policy into a cornerstone of national water sovereignty, establishing a robust hydraulic heritage, declared Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, during a recent gathering in Rabat.

By the close of 2026, the Kingdom will boast 156 major dams, with a total storage capacity of 20.8 billion cubic meters. An additional 14 dams are currently under construction, reflecting the nation’s advanced expertise in hydraulic engineering, technical studies, civil works, and water infrastructure management—all driven by the Proactive Vision of the Monarch.

The minister highlighted the pivotal role these water assets play in bolstering hydrological resilience across regions and communities, ensuring efficient and sustainable demand management for years to come. Between 2021 and 2026 alone, eight major dams were completed, reinforcing the Kingdom’s water security framework.

Thanks to this year’s rainfall and the extensive network of hydraulic structures developed under the Sovereign’s guidance, Morocco now enjoys at least two years of guaranteed water supply—covering both drinking water and irrigation needs nationwide, Baraka noted.

The expansion of small-scale dams further strengthens this resilience, he added. A joint initiative between his ministry and the Ministry of the Interior aims to construct 155 additional small dams by 2028. These projects target rural communities, securing groundwater recharge and preserving strategic reserves for future generations.

The Royal Vision extends beyond infrastructure. Morocco’s hydraulic mix integrates dam policies, basin-based governance, seawater desalination, wastewater recycling, and climate adaptation strategies—all geared toward long-term water security.

In the realm of unconventional water resources, the country is on track to meet 60% of its drinking water needs through seawater desalination by 2030, the minister revealed. Inter-basin connections and water highways are also being developed to foster national solidarity, ensuring equitable access to this vital resource across urban centers and rural areas alike.

Mohammed Benahmed, an international territorial development expert, emphasized that Morocco’s hydraulic assets rank among Africa’s most significant, requiring long-term management strategies. This includes performance evaluations, multi-year budget planning for maintenance, and robust governance of dam operations.

Sustaining such a vast water infrastructure demands stable financial mechanisms tailored to long investment cycles, he noted. Benahmed proposed innovative financing models, such as green bonds, concessional climate funds, blended financing (combining grants, soft loans, and guarantees), and public-private partnerships.

Mohamed Amrani, Senior Policy Officer for North Africa at the FAO, underscored that water sovereignty hinges on balanced regional cooperation, grounded in equity, sustainability, productivity, and solidarity. Effective governance must prioritize supply security without imposing unsustainable financial burdens, he added.

The event, a reimagined iteration of the traditional MAP Forum, serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue among policymakers, experts, and development stakeholders. The second edition brought together public and private sector leaders, alongside media representatives, to foster informed and constructive discussions.