Focus on Rural Areas and Climate Resilience
In a significant move to address the ongoing challenges posed by persistent droughts and escalating water scarcity, Morocco has secured substantial financial aid from European sources. On June 2, 2026, the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water signed a financing agreement amounting to €348 million (approximately 3.7 billion Dirhams) in Rabat. This funding, which is set to unfold over the next three years, aims to expedite the implementation of Morocco's National Water Plan (PNE) as well as the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI).
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry's headquarters and was attended by prominent figures including Nizar Baraka, the Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, along with ambassadors from the European Union, France, Germany, and Italy. The program is rooted in the "Team Europe" approach, comprising €48 million (514.4 million Dirhams) in grants from the EU and approximately €300 million (3.2 billion Dirhams) in low-interest loans from various European financial institutions. Notable contributors include the French Development Agency (AFD), which is leading the initiative, alongside the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Italian Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP).
According to Dimiter Tzantchev, the EU ambassador to Morocco, the funds will primarily focus on enhancing drinking water supply and agricultural irrigation in rural areas. The EU prioritizes water issues within the broader context of climate change, and this initiative builds on a previous agreement made in November 2024 between King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron. It aligns with the "Green Partnership Morocco-EU" established in 2022 and the "Mediterranean Pact" ratified in November 2025. Additionally, technical support will facilitate experience-sharing between Moroccan and European partners, further strengthening collaborative efforts.
Between 2017 and 2025, Morocco faced repeated droughts, significantly intensifying pressure on the country's water reserves. During the signing ceremony, Minister Nizar Baraka underscored the importance of the national water strategy, noting that Morocco currently relies on 26 operational dams to manage approximately 1.5 million hectares of land. However, in the short term, Morocco plans to derive around 60 percent of its drinking water supply from desalination processes. The Ministry is committed to ensuring efficient governance and results-oriented criteria in the implementation of this new support program.
The German ambassador, who is nearing the conclusion of his mission in Morocco, highlighted the collaboration in water management facilitated by KfW. Moving forward, the Moroccan authorities will oversee the program's development and the equitable distribution of funds to rural regions over the coming months.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
