Morocco has signed a €150m financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support the final phase of a major water conservation project in the Saiss Plain, aimed at easing water stress and boosting climate resilience.
The agreement was signed on Friday in Rabat and is backed by additional grants worth €11.5m, bringing total support for the Saiss Plain Water Conservation – SAISS III project to more than €161m.
The project seeks to protect the overexploited Saiss aquifer and secure irrigation for around 20,000 hectares of farmland by gradually replacing unsustainable groundwater use with surface water supplied from the M’DEZ dam.
Authorities say the scheme will directly benefit about 7,300 farms, while also supporting rural employment, farmers’ incomes, youth settlement in rural areas and the development of cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Between 90 and 120 million cubic metres of water are expected to be mobilised annually for irrigation, significantly reducing pressure on groundwater resources and strengthening the region’s ability to cope with climate change.
The project also includes targeted technical assistance for young people, women and small farmers, aimed at improving skills and encouraging the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, said the EBRD had become a reliable and consistent partner in both the design and implementation of development projects in the country.
He also highlighted the strength of relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom, noting a shared ambition to address economic, climate and global development challenges.
Mr Lekjaa described the SAISS III project as one of Morocco’s flagship initiatives to confront water scarcity and climate change.
For his part, Greg Guyett, First Vice President of the EBRD, said the project would help develop rural livelihoods while conserving water and ensuring climate resilience in a strategically important region of the country.
Since starting operations in Morocco, the EBRD has financed more than 120 projects worth over €5.6bn, spanning sectors such as water, energy, infrastructure and private enterprise, with a strong focus on green transition and inclusive development.
