The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s (EU) development bank, announces that it has signed a €70 million financing agreement with the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to strengthen the resilience of drinking water infrastructure in Morocco. This loan will modernize, secure, and optimize the production and transportation of drinking water in several regions of the Kingdom, particularly in small and medium-sized towns and rural areas, which are facing increasing pressure on water resources. This new financing, granted with the support of the EU through its guarantee mechanism, is part of a long-term partnership between the EIB and ONEE. It supports the implementation of ONEE’s 2025-2030 Equipment Plan by financing local investments with a strong local impact.
In a context of water stress aggravated by rising temperatures, the accumulated frequency of droughts and increased consumption, this project will ensure reliable and equitable access to quality drinking water. It will modernize equipment, reduce losses in networks, improve the energy efficiency of facilities, and secure the supply of drinking water to vulnerable areas. In line with the objectives of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI, 2020-2027), this operation is fully in line with Morocco’s priorities in terms of climate adaptation and protection of natural resource changes. It also supports the European Union’s commitments to Morocco within the framework of the Green Partnership with Morocco for a resilient and sustainable economy and support for the green transition.