Morocco's Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, announced that the country's current annual desalination capacity stands at 420 million cubic meters. The government aims to increase this to 1.7 billion cubic meters in the coming years, as part of a strategy to address water scarcity.
Speaking at a conference in Casablanca on May 5, 2026, Baraka emphasized the importance of desalination projects to secure water supply for drinking and irrigation. He noted that several new plants are under construction or planned, including in Casablanca and Dakhla.
The minister also highlighted that Morocco faces severe drought conditions, with rainfall 40% below average in recent years. The desalination expansion is part of a broader water management plan that includes dam construction and wastewater treatment.
Baraka stated that the 1.7 billion cubic meter target is achievable through public-private partnerships and international financing. He did not provide a specific timeline for reaching the goal but said it would be implemented over the next decade.
