The World Bank has announced a landmark $250 million funding package aimed at transforming Morocco’s municipal solid waste (MSW) management system.
In addition to financial support, the institution will provide technical assistance to ensure effective implementation, targeting sustainable impacts on the country’s waste management practices.
This substantial investment comes as Morocco faces mounting challenges in managing municipal waste, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and changing consumption patterns.
In 2020 alone, Morocco produced approximately 8.2 million tonnes of MSW, over 6 million tonnes of which originated from urban areas.
Without intervention, this figure could surge to 11.4 million tonnes by 2030.
To address these challenges, Morocco is focusing on innovative solutions to enhance waste management efficiency, boost recycling rates, and promote sustainable development.
The World Bank’s $250 million commitment will bolster the country’s Municipal Solid Waste Management Program (PGDM), a key component of the broader National Household Waste Valorization Program (PNVDM).
This initiative, spanning from 2023 to 2034, aims to increase Morocco’s MSW recycling rate from 7% to 25%.
Central to the PGDM is the modernization of existing landfills, the development of new waste recovery infrastructure, and the closure of uncontrolled disposal sites, contributing to nationwide environmental improvements.
The Ministry of the Interior will oversee implementation, collaborating with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development and local municipalities.
One notable aspect of the program is a newly signed agreement with Morocco’s cement industry, enabling the use of waste-derived fuels in cement production.
This initiative is expected to reduce waste disposal volumes while fostering a sustainable recycling model.
The funding will be deployed over six years, concentrating on three key areas to maximize impact and establish a sustainable waste management framework across Morocco.
