Project Description
On October 31, 2025, The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a member of the World Bank Group, issued guarantees totalling US$32.85 million to Meridiam Eurasia 3 SAS (Meridiam) of France and Suez International SAS (Suez) of France for their quasi-equity investments into the National Carrier Project Company in Jordan, for the preliminary development activities (Limited Notice To Proceed (LNTP) Works or Phase 1), in preparation of the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination & Conveyance project, a seawater desalination plant and associated infrastructure in Aqaba, Jordan, with a net potable water capacity of 300 million cubic meter per year (Phase 2). The MIGA guarantees cover Breach of Contract for a period of up to 3 years.
Phase 1 scope of work will be limited to engineering and preparatory works necessary for the development of the desalination facility. Specifically, these activities will consist of design and engineering studies, on-site surveys, early staff mobilization and preparation, and environmental and social (E&S) assessments to be completed before financial close.
Environmental Categorization
The Project is category C under MIGA’s Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2013).
Development Impact
The Project (Phase 1) contributes to advancing the Government of Jordan’s National Water Strategy for 2023-2040 which outlines steps towards addressing water challenges housed in four pillars (reform the legal and institutional framework, improve resource management to balance supply-demand, achieve financial sustainability, ensure transparent regulation of services and costs) in tandem with the sector’s Financial Sustainability Roadmap which outlines a set of policy and investment measures that seek to close the operational deficit and reduce debt accumulation. The Project also supports innovation through its offering of advanced technology and modern standard practices for a non-conventional source of water supply for the sector.
