Economy Moroccan company gets $108m to tackle water scarcity By Pramod Kumar September 17, 2024, 6:03 AM Unsplash.com/Enzo Tommasi Work has commenced on Morocco's Khouribga pipeline project, which will have a total annual capacity of 80 million cubic meters A new €100 million ($108 million) loan from a World Bank unit will help Morocco tackle water scarcity, which has been hindering economic growth. The loan is being provided through the International Facility Corporation (IFC) to Casablanca-based OCP Group, a producer of plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilisers. It will fund the construction of a 219 km water pipeline and pumping station to transport desalinated water from OCP’s existing and planned desalination plants in Jorf Lasfar in the Atlantic Ocean to the company’s production operations in Khouribga in central Morocco. NewsletterGet the Best of AGBI delivered straight to your inbox every week NewsletterGet the Best of AGBI delivered straight to your inbox every week Work has started on the project, which will have a total annual capacity of 80 million cubic metres on completion. The pipeline extension will free up water for use by farmers, businesses and consumers in and around Khouribga. Water scarcity is a major obstacle to economic development in parts of Africa, said IFC managing director Makhtar Diop. The pipeline is part of OCP Group’s water programme, delivered by its specialised subsidiary, OCP Green Water, which will supply 100 percent non-conventional water to the group by the end of 2024. One year on, Atlas earthquake still highlights Morocco’s divide Morocco struggles to solve its water crisis Morocco to beat 4% economy growth forecast for 2025 The company aims to produce 560 million cubic metres per year of desalinated water and 60 million cubic metres per year of treated wastewater by 2027, with investments reaching $611 million. The pipeline is expected to run entirely on renewable sources by 2030. IFC has invested and mobilised more than $1 billion in the past three years to support sustainable economic development. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
