Water demand could rise 20%–50% by 2050. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), tackling water scarcity will require more than just building desalination plants. Water demand in the region could increase by 20% to 50% by 2050. At the same time, the water deficit could multiply fivefold, requiring an additional 25 billion cubic meters to meet needs. In Morocco, the government announced in November 2025 that it aims to meet 60% of its drinking water needs through treated seawater by 2030, up from 25% today.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 17, 2026 00:13 UTC