Morocco’s water sovereignty: how dams secure the kingdom’s future

The Kingdom of Morocco has elevated its dam policy to the status of a national strategic priority under the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI, transforming it into a cornerstone of its water sovereignty. Speaking in Rabat, Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, highlighted this commitment during the second edition of the MAP Town Hall, themed “Royal Vision of Water: Foundation of Hydric Sovereignty and Territorial Equity”.

An ambitious dam infrastructure for lasting water resilience

By the end of 2026, Morocco will boast 156 major dams, with a total storage capacity of 20.8 billion cubic meters. An additional 14 dams are currently under construction, reflecting the country’s mastery of hydraulic engineering, technical studies, civil engineering, and water infrastructure management. This progress stems directly from the proactive vision of the Monarch, which has fostered national expertise in these critical sectors.

The minister emphasized that these water assets play a pivotal role in ensuring hydric resilience across Morocco’s territories and population. By 2026, eight new dams will have been commissioned since 2021, strengthening the country’s ability to meet both potable and irrigation water demands for years to come.

A dual strategy: large and small dams

This year’s rainfall, combined with the extensive hydraulic infrastructure developed under the King’s guidance, has secured Morocco’s water supply for at least two years—both for drinking and agricultural use nationwide. Complementing this effort, the government launched a program to construct 155 small dams by 2028, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior. These projects aim to extend water access to rural communities while safeguarding groundwater reserves and ensuring long-term water security for future generations.

A diversified hydric mix for future-proofing

The Royal Vision extends beyond traditional dams. Morocco’s hydric strategy integrates several key components, including:

• Watershed governance – ensuring equitable distribution and sustainable management of water resources.
• Desalination – targeting a 60% contribution to potable water needs by 2030 through seawater desalination.
• Wastewater reuse – maximizing the value of treated wastewater in agriculture and industry.
• Climate adaptation – building resilience against changing climate patterns.

Additionally, the construction of water highways—inter-basin connections—is fostering national solidarity in water distribution. These infrastructure projects are designed to guarantee hydric security for major urban centers, rural towns, and agricultural regions alike, positioning water as a driver of territorial justice.

Expert insights: financing and governance challenges

Mohammed Benahmed, an international expert in territorial development, underscored that Morocco manages one of Africa’s most significant water asset portfolios. To preserve this hydric heritage, he stressed the need for long-term performance evaluation, multi-year budget programming for maintenance, and effective dam governance.

He proposed innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, climate concessionary financing, blended instruments combining grants, soft loans, and guarantees, as well as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). These tools are essential to sustain investments over extended cycles.

Mohamed Amrani, Senior Policy Advisor at the FAO for North Africa, highlighted that hydric sovereignty relies on interregional arbitration rooted in equity, sustainability, productivity, and solidarity. Effective governance must balance water supply security without imposing unsustainable financial burdens.

A platform for strategic dialogue

The MAP Town Hall reimagines traditional forums by creating a space for in-depth discussions and constructive exchanges among policymakers, experts, and development stakeholders. Its second edition brought together public and private sector leaders, along with media representatives, to foster informed and productive public debate.