Morocco has offered technical expertise to Mali to help address the country's severe water shortages, according to reports from May 2026. The proposal comes as Mali, like much of the Sahel region, faces worsening drought conditions linked to climate change.
Morocco's National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has proposed sharing its experience in water management, including desalination and dam construction. The offer was made during a meeting between Malian and Moroccan officials in Bamako in late May 2026.
Mali's water crisis has been exacerbated by reduced rainfall and the drying of the Niger River, which provides water for millions. The country's infrastructure for water storage and distribution is limited, with only about 10% of the population having access to piped water.
Critics question whether Morocco's assistance is purely humanitarian or part of broader geopolitical interests in the Sahel. Morocco has been expanding its influence in West Africa through economic and diplomatic ties.
The Malian government has not yet formally accepted the offer, stating it is evaluating all options to address the water crisis.
