The European Union (EU) and key European development agencies have finalized a €348 million funding agreement—equivalent to nearly 3.7 billion Moroccan dirhams—dedicated to advancing Morocco’s national water program. The signing ceremony took place this Tuesday in Rabat, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, where Minister Nizar Baraka and the EU, French, German, and Italian ambassadors formalized the commitment.
This three-year initiative builds on a prior agreement signed in November 2024, during a high-level meeting in Rabat between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the President of France. The renewed financial support reflects a deepened partnership aimed at addressing water security challenges in the Kingdom, particularly in rural areas.
Leading the European contribution are prominent development institutions: the French Development Agency (AFD), Germany’s public development bank KfW, and Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP). The AFD, designated as the project’s lead coordinator, has played an instrumental role in mobilizing resources and advancing the initiative, according to French diplomatic sources.
France’s newly appointed Ambassador to Morocco, Philippe Lalliot, marked his first official engagement in the country by highlighting his nation’s sustained commitment to Morocco’s water sector. He noted that France has already contributed over one billion euros to water-related projects in the Kingdom and commended the EU’s ongoing efforts in this critical domain.
Emphasizing the urgency of climate change impacts on water resources, EU Ambassador to Morocco Dimiter Tzantchev underscored that the new funding will prioritize access to safe drinking water and agricultural irrigation in rural communities. “The European Union places water security at the heart of its priorities, especially in the context of climate challenges,” the Bulgarian diplomat stated.
During the ceremony, Minister Nizar Baraka outlined Morocco’s comprehensive water strategy, driven by the vision of King Mohammed VI. He highlighted that the country currently operates 26 functioning dams, supporting irrigation across 1.5 million hectares. Looking forward, Morocco aims to source 60% of its potable water from desalination plants in the near term.
“He who does not control water does not control his destiny,” Minister Baraka declared, reinforcing the strategic importance of water management in national development. He also pledged that the ministry would implement the EU-supported program with enhanced governance and measurable results, expressing gratitude to the ambassadors for their collaboration.
Germany’s outgoing Ambassador to Morocco also praised the robust Morocco-Germany partnership, noting that KfW’s involvement in water projects reflects the strategic nature of the sector. The diplomat, set to conclude his mission shortly, emphasized the significance of sustainable water infrastructure in ensuring long-term stability.
This €348 million investment underscores Morocco’s intensified efforts to combat water scarcity and secure its agricultural and social future. From dam construction and desalination to rural supply networks, the initiative represents a pivotal step toward safeguarding the Kingdom’s water independence and resilience.