Rabat – Amid years of intensifying climate stress and shrinking water reserves, Morocco is strengthening its national desalination strategy to secure long-term water supply and respond to rising demand.
The country’s desalination market is entering a rapid expansion phase, with investment expected to double over the next decade, supported by technological advances and growing reliance on renewable energy sources.
According to recent figures from Al Maa Dialna, a platform under the Ministry of Equipment and Water, Morocco’s desalination market is projected to rise from $400 million in 2024 to $850 million by 2033.
This represents an increase of approximately 112%, according to a report by the international research firm Renub Research.
The report shows an annual compound growth rate of 8.74%, driven by chronic water scarcity, large-scale public investment, technological development, rising demand for sustainable water solutions in major cities, and the expansion of renewable energy integration.
The study also points to the central role of public-private partnerships in financing major desalination projects in cities such as Casablanca, Agadir, and Safi. These projects form part of the government’s water strategy to confront prolonged drought cycles and decline in groundwater levels.
Partnerships of this kind, the report notes, stimulate innovation and improve operational performance, despite persistent challenges related to high implementation costs, technical demands, and the need to secure equitable water distribution.
Morocco’s rapid technological progress in desalination is largely based on improved reverse osmosis systems, which have achieved notable gains in energy efficiency and membrane durability.
The increased use of solar and wind power has helped extend plant lifespan and reduce maintenance costs, further helped by automated operation systems and advanced pre-treatment processes.
Among the flagship projects shaping the sector’s transformation is the large-scale seawater desalination plant planned for the Casablanca-Settat region. Once operational, it is expected to provide around 300 million cubic meters of water annually to benefit roughly 7.5 million residents.
In the eastern region, the Nador desalination project is set to deliver 250 million cubic meters per year, while the Safi plant currently produces 86,400 cubic meters per day.
These projects form part of Morocco’s objective to reach an annual output of 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water by 2030.
Supported by the National Program for Drinking Water Supply 2020-2027, these initiatives combine advanced technology, sustainable investment, and expanding use of clean energy sources.
Together, they position Morocco as one of Africa’s leading countries in desalination, reinforcing the country’s pursuit of long-term water security for future generations.