Morocco’s bold dam policy cements water sovereignty under royal vision
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has transformed its dam infrastructure into a cornerstone of national water sovereignty, announced Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, during a high-level discussion in Rabat.
The country now boasts 156 major dams by the end of 2026, with a total storage capacity of 20.8 billion cubic meters. Fourteen additional dams are currently under construction, reflecting the Kingdom’s advanced expertise in hydraulic engineering, technical studies, civil construction, and water infrastructure management—a direct result of the Sovereign’s forward-thinking strategy.
Resilience and strategic water reserves for future generations
These hydraulic assets play a pivotal role in ensuring water resilience across Morocco’s regions and population, while optimizing demand management for years to come. Between 2021 and 2026 alone, eight new major dams were completed, reinforcing the nation’s water security.
Thanks to this year’s favorable rainfall and the extensive infrastructure developed under the King’s guidance, Morocco now maintains a minimum of two years of water reserves for both drinking and irrigation purposes nationwide.
Small dams program targets rural access and groundwater protection
The expansion of small dams further strengthens water resilience, with a national initiative launching 155 new small dams by 2028. This project, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, aims to improve water access in rural areas, safeguard groundwater reserves, and secure strategic water stocks for future generations.
A diversified water strategy for long-term security
Morocco’s water security framework, as outlined by the Royal Vision, integrates multiple pillars: dam infrastructure, watershed governance, seawater desalination, wastewater reuse, and climate adaptation. Together, these measures form a robust water mix designed to meet the nation’s needs for decades.
Innovative water solutions are a priority, with plans to meet 60% of drinking water needs through seawater desalination by 2030. The expansion of inter-basin connections and water highways is also underway, fostering national water solidarity and equitable access across urban centers and rural communities.
Expert insights on sustainable water governance
Mohammed Benahmed, international territorial development expert, highlighted Morocco’s standing as a leader in African water infrastructure. He emphasized the need for long-term management, including performance evaluations of water assets, multi-year maintenance budgeting, and effective dam governance to preserve this vital resource.
Benahmed advocated for innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, climate-linked concessional funds, blended financing models, and public-private partnerships, to ensure stable and sustainable investment cycles.
Mohamed Amrani, principal policy officer for the FAO in North Africa, underscored that water sovereignty hinges on balanced regional collaboration grounded in equity, sustainability, productivity, and solidarity. He stressed that effective water governance must secure supply without imposing unsustainable financial burdens.
A platform for strategic water dialogue
The MAP Town Hall, reimagined from the traditional MAP Forum format, serves as a dynamic space for in-depth discussions among policymakers, experts, and development stakeholders. The second edition brought together public and private sector leaders alongside media representatives to foster informed and constructive public debate.
