Morocco and the European Union have unveiled a €348 million initiative to bolster the country’s water security efforts. The program, valued at 3.7 billion Moroccan dirhams, was officially launched in Rabat and combines European grants with concessional loans from three key financial institutions.
a collaborative framework for sustainable water management
The initiative adopts an «Europe Team» approach, pooling resources from the European Union alongside contributions from Germany, Italy, and France—the lead partner in this co-financing arrangement. A total of 514.4 million Moroccan dirhams (€48 million) in EU grants will complement three concessional loans totaling approximately 3.2 billion Moroccan dirhams (€300 million). These funds are being channeled through the JEFIC network, with the German development bank KfW, Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD) playing pivotal roles.
key objectives: resilience against climate change and water scarcity
The program aims to enhance understanding of water resources amid escalating climate pressures, strengthen responses to extreme events such as droughts and floods, safeguard groundwater reserves, and bolster institutional capacities in the water sector. Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, emphasized that the initiative will reinforce national efforts to adapt the country’s water model to climate realities, ensuring long-term sustainability.
diplomatic voices highlight shared climate commitments
Philippe Lalliot, France’s Ambassador to Morocco, underscored AFD’s role in driving this initiative forward. Dimiter Tzantchev, the EU Ambassador to Morocco, framed the program within the broader Morocco-EU Green Partnership and Mediterranean Pact, stressing its alignment with joint climate resilience goals. Robert Dölger, Germany’s Ambassador, highlighted KfW’s targeted funding for climate adaptation and groundwater protection. Meanwhile, Pasquale Salzano, Italy’s Ambassador, linked Italy’s involvement to its commitment to gender equality as a cornerstone for project success.
This funding will directly support Morocco’s National Water Plan and the National Drinking Water and Irrigation Supply Program (PNAEPI) for 2020-2027, reinforcing the country’s long-term water security agenda.
