Invest International announces the signing of a €31 million grant agreement between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to support the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project. This transformative initiative is designed to enhance water security across Jordan. The agreement, signed on April 17 in Amman, reaffirms our commitment to addressing global challenges such as water scarcity through strategic investment, innovation, and international cooperation.
Response to water scarcity
Jordan faces one of the most severe water shortages in the world. A situation exacerbated by climate change, population growth and regional instability. The Aqaba-Amman project is a bold response to this crisis. Once completed, it will produce 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually by desalinating seawater from the Gulf of Aqaba and transporting it to Amman and other key regions.
The project serves multiple national objectives:
- Ensuring a sustainable supply of clean drinking water
- Safeguarding public health
- Enhancing economic productivity
- Improving quality of life for citizens
- Building communities’ resilience in times of crisis
The picture above shows the city of Aqaba in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Invest International’s role
As the implementing partner for the Dutch contribution, Invest International is coordinating with the European Investment Bank (EIB), which will manage the grant as part of its Water Sector Fund. The fund supports high-impact water investments in low and lower-middle-income countries, combining technical expertise with targeted financial support.
“We are proud to partner with the EIB in supporting the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project through the Water Sector Fund,” said Petra Vernooij, Director Public Sector at Invest International. “This investment is vital for enhancing water security in Jordan and reflects our commitment to tackling global challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.”
The grant signing took place in the presence of representatives from both countries. It was signed by Harry Verweij, Dutch Ambassador to Jordan of behalf of the Dutch government and by Charlotte Swart, Senior Investment Advisor at Invest International. Representing Jordan were Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud, and Suad Farsi, EIB’s Representative in Jordan.
Water challenges
Minister Zeina Toukan emphasized that this project could not be more timely, especially as Jordan faces significant challenges securing water resources: “The importance of the National Water Desalination and Conveyance Project lies not only in providing clean water and safeguarding the health of citizens but also in enhancing productivity, improving quality of life, and strengthening communities’ resilience in facing crises and emergencies.”
The Water Sector Fund
The Water Sector Fund — jointly established by the EIB and the Dutch government — provides financial instruments, advisory services and technical assistance to catalyze water, sanitation and hygiene investments in underserved regions. This latest contribution marks the fourth agreement between the Netherlands and the EIB to support the fund’s mission.
Through active participation in the Water Sector Fund and projects like this, Invest International helps to bridge financing gaps and deliver scalable, long-term solutions that strengthen infrastructure and support inclusive growth.
