Casablanca – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided a loan of $108 million to Morocco’s National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to modernize its water management systems and improve access to potable water across the country. The financing agreement was signed during the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) in Rabat, in the presence of Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, and AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina.

The agreement aims to address critical challenges in water production and distribution by focusing on:

  • Digitization of ONEE’s processes: Introducing advanced technology to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
  • Boosting drinking water production: Expanding output in key urban areas, including Asfalou, Bouhouda, and Agourai.
  • Enhancing water supply systems: Upgrading infrastructure to improve performance and reliability across multiple regions.

“This financing represents a significant milestone as it is the first time AfDB is supporting ONEE in projects centered on digital innovation in the water sector,” the Office stated.

ONEE’s Director General also finalized a loan guarantee agreement with the National Company for Business Guarantee and Financing to secure the successful execution of this ambitious initiative.

Strengthening a longstanding partnership

The collaboration between ONEE and AfDB has been ongoing since 1978, with the Bank contributing over $927 million to Morocco’s water and sanitation projects. This latest loan underlines AfDB’s trust in ONEE’s capacity to implement innovative strategies and manage large-scale infrastructure upgrades.

ONEE is recognized as a key partner for AfDB both within Morocco and internationally, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in water resource management.

Strategic goals

This funding aligns with Morocco’s broader development goals of improving living conditions, bolstering resilience to climate change, and ensuring sustainable access to essential resources. By targeting underserved areas and upgrading critical infrastructure, the project will address immediate needs while setting a foundation for long-term improvements in water supply and management.

The AfDB loan reaffirms the confidence of international lenders in Morocco’s ability to execute transformative projects, particularly in sectors critical to public welfare. With this support, ONEE is well-positioned to achieve significant progress in modernizing its operations and expanding access to safe drinking water for communities across the Kingdom.