- The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $250 million financing package to support Morocco’s Municipal Solid Waste Management Support Program.
- Monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ensuring alignment with Morocco’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $250 million financing package to support Morocco’s Municipal Solid Waste Management Support Program. This initiative aims to improve the financial and environmental performance of the country’s waste management sector, with a strong focus on sustainability and urban livability.
With more than 60 per cent of its population residing in urban areas, Morocco’s cities are vital drivers of economic growth. Under its New Development Model, Morocco prioritizes enhancing the quality of urban life, making municipal solid waste management a critical component of this strategy.
Over the past two decades, Morocco has made significant strides in waste management. Urban waste collection rates have improved dramatically, rising from 40 per cent in 2008 to 96 per cent in 2022, primarily due to national efforts supported by the World Bank. However, key challenges persist, including environmental degradation, insufficient waste valorisation, and financial sustainability.
The newly launched Programme National de Valorisation des Déchets Ménagers (PNVDM) seeks to reduce reliance on landfilling and improve waste recovery practices. The World Bank-supported initiative aligns with PNVDM goals and will focus on:
- Upgrading controlled landfills to meet higher environmental standards.
- Rehabilitating and closing abandoned uncontrolled landfills to mitigate environmental risks.
- Expanding waste valorization initiatives, such as recycling and energy recovery, using financially viable models.
- Exploring new revenue streams to fund waste management operations sustainably.
Monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ensuring alignment with Morocco’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The program will also invest in policy reforms to strengthen governance and improve sector performance.
“Helping to promote more livable and attractive cities is a priority for the World Bank in Morocco,” said Moustapha Ndiaye, Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta. “This new operation builds on decades of collaboration in the waste management sector and supports Morocco’s dual goals of enhancing urban service delivery and addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation efforts.”
The program complements Morocco’s broader ambitions to align urban infrastructure improvements with global climate objectives. The Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) are providing technical assistance and funding to bolster the initiative.