A framework agreement aimed at developing an industrial ecosystem for water desalination was signed on Wednesday in Rabat. The initiative seeks to address the Kingdom’s growing needs for both drinking and industrial water while strengthening domestic capabilities in this strategic sector.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, and the president of the Cluster Marocain des Métiers de l’Eau, Amine Mohamed.
The initiative aligns with national strategic priorities to ensure water security and accelerate investment in the water sector, particularly through the development of a domestic desalination industry. It also reflects a stronger partnership between public and private stakeholders.
According to Nizar Baraka, the agreement will help improve Morocco’s resilience to water stress by diversifying supply sources and promoting innovative, locally adapted solutions. He also stressed the importance of strengthening national control over desalination technologies.
He noted that this momentum is already visible, with mobile water treatment units currently operating in several regions across the country.
For his part, Ryad Mezzour highlighted that the current local integration rate in the sector stands between 30% and 35%, with a target of reaching 70%. He added that Morocco has the skills and resources needed to meet both domestic and international demand, with the ambition of building a competitive, fully Moroccan industrial ecosystem.
Amine Mohamed described the agreement as a “historic” step forward, emphasizing the central role of the cluster in mobilizing companies, structuring the value chain, and supporting the development of water-related equipment.
The agreement includes support for industrial and technological desalination projects, the promotion of “Made in Morocco”, as well as the strengthening of innovation, applied research, and technology transfer. It also aims to develop skills and align training programs with the sector’s needs.
