AfDB contributes €104.7 million to boost water sector in Morocco, speed up ONEE digitalization

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has extended Morocco a €104.7 million loan to boost the water sector in the Kingdom.

The funding is destined to speed up the digitalization processes of the National Office for Electricity and Drinkable Water (ONEE), boost drinking water production in several urban areas (Asfalou, Bouhouda and Agourai), and improve the performance of drinking water supply systems in several regions of the Kingdom, ONEE said in a statement.

This financing marks a major turning point, being the first support from the AfDB to ONEE to undertake innovative operations in digitalizing the Office’s water activity, notes the statement.

Cooperation between ONEE and the AfDB in drinking water and sanitation sectors dates back to 1978, with the overall financial contribution from the bank amounting to 9 billion dirhams. This loan confirms the confidence of international lenders in ONEE’s ability to implement its strategy and carry out innovative projects.

The financing agreement was initialed by ONEE Director General and AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) held last week in Rabat. The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.