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The Arab Energy Fund-led consortium completes the acquisition of Metito Utilities

 The acquisition supports TAEF’s leadership in the fields of sustainable water solutions and energy infrastructure.

• Accelerates innovative solutions to address water insecurity and drive long-term value in emerging markets.
• Reaffirms a shared commitment to clean water accessibility, resource optimization, and environmental stewardship.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 08 January 2025—The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF), formerly known as APICORP, a leading multilateral impact financial institution focused on the MENA energy sector, has successfully led a consortium to acquire a 100% stake in, and provide further growth capital to, Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets.

This landmark transaction, in partnership with Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family, aligns with TAEF’s strategic vision to advance energy security and sustainability by driving impactful investments that address critical infrastructure needs in water and wastewater management across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Metito has been an industry leader in the water sector since 1958, and Metito Utilities has over 25 years specialized experience in the investment, development, and long-term operation and maintenance of water and wastewater concessions. It has a proven-track record of over 35 successful concessions and has a long-standing legacy of pioneering water and wastewater, delivering first Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) projects in the sector in countries as such Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Rwanda, Serbia, Qatar and beyond, and setting benchmarks in sustainable water management on a global scale.

Khalid Ali Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of TAEF, said: “The investment in Metito Utilities marks a strategic milestone in TAEF’s mission to advance sustainable infrastructure and energy value chains. Water and energy are deeply interconnected, and this collaboration, alongside our partners Zamil Group Investment Company and the Ghandour family, as well as Metito Utilities’ talented team, allows us to strengthen regional leadership in addressing water scarcity challenges while delivering long-term value creation. We aim to accelerate growth and innovation across new and existing markets.”

Abdullrahman K Al Zamil, President of Zamil Group Investment Company, said: “We have consistently sought opportunities that combine business excellence with meaningful impact. Water security is fundamental to our region’s future, and Metito’s expertise in water management aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable development. As a family business that has witnessed and participated in the region’s transformation, we see this partnership as another milestone in our journey of being partners in building nations, bringing proven water solutions to communities and industries that need them most.”

 Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said: “We are proud of our legacy, and the continuous evolution that has brought us to where we are today. While this transformation marks a new era for Metito, our commitment to a cleaner environment remains at the heart of everything we do.  With this strengthened partnership, we aim to expand our positive impact by leveraging our experience in PPP projects to enhance water efficiency and deliver tailored, sustainable water management solutions across the pan-emerging markets. Together with our valued partners, we are excited to lead the way forward in shaping the future of water management.’

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for all shareholders, uniting their shared vision to address global water security challenges while developing long-term environmental, social, and economic value.

It aligns with TAEF’s broader strategy to drive sustainable infrastructure development, measurable impact and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. This transaction reflects TAEF’s focus on energy and energy adjacent sectors, showcasing its role as a preeminent impact investor in the MENA region.

Under its new shareholding, Metito Utilities is poised to build on its legacy of innovation and operational excellence, driving sustainable water solutions that make a lasting impact in emerging markets.

Metito, a globally leading provider of intelligent water management solutions, announces the reorganization of its core business lines into independent group companies aiming to enhance growth and profitability. This will enable each business line to pursue focused growth strategies while maintaining the expertise and operational excellence that have defined Metito’s legacy in the water sector for the past 66 years.

Metito will reorganize its core business lines into three standalone group companies, each with a focus on its core expertise and growth prospects:

Metito Utilities, historically operated as an independent group company, will continue its business in investment, development, and long-term operation & maintenance of water and wastewater concessions.

Metito Water Projects (METIPRO) will continue focusing on high-value engineering, design and build solutions tailored to water infrastructure developments and urban water needs

Metito Chemical Solutions (METICHEM) will continue providing advanced water treatment chemicals, operation & maintenance and customer-service engineered packages.

“Metito has been at the forefront of the water and wastewater industry for decades, and this marks a pivotal moment in our journey, and our commitment to addressing water scarcity and developing advanced water solutions for the communities we serve remains our top priority and allows each independent company to focus on its core strengths while drawing on our extensive experience” said Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman of the Metito Group.

Metito and its partners strike gold at the 2023 Project Finance International (PFI) awards ceremony, sealing two of the most prestigious awards. PFI has been the publication at the forefront of project finance reporting for the last 25 years.

The awards:

• Public-Private Partnership Deal of the Year – Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Plant

Metito’s consortium, including Al Attiyah Motors & Trading Company and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), was honored with the ‘Public-Private Partnership Deal of the Year’ award for the ‘Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)’ project in Qatar.

This milestone project, awarded by the Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in 2022, involves the development, design, build, finance, and procurement of a 150,000 m3/day sewage treatment works (STW) project under a PPP agreement. It is the first sewage treatment PPP project in Qatar and aligns with Qatar’s 2030 Vision for sustainable water management.

• The Sustainable Deal of the Year – Project Wave

Another remarkable achievement for Metito was the ‘Sustainable Deal of the Year’ award for ‘Project Wave’, a $2.4 billion landmark project in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This project, led by a consortium of Orascom Construction and Metito, along with ADNOC and TAQA, will provide more than 110 million imperial gallons per day (500,000 m3/day) of sustainable treated seawater supply for ADNOC’s onshore operations. It also includes the construction of a 75km water transmission pipeline and an in-field distribution network of over 230km to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa fields. The project’s implementation will significantly reduce water injection-related energy consumption, connect to the grid for clean energy supply, and contribute over 60% of its value to the UAE economy.

With over 700 industry professionals in attendance, Metito and its partners were recognized for the relentless pursuit of excellence in project finance. All thanks to incredible teamwork, unwavering dedication, and commitment to pioneering innovative project finance solutions to enable more impactful water projects.

Mega greenfield project will be developed under a build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) concession model with a tenor of 30 years

25 September 2023: A consortium of Orascom Construction and Metito, together with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company PJSC (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), has achieved the successful financial close in record time for a large-scale seawater treatment and water transportation project in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The project will comprise a seawater nanofiltration plant with a treatment capacity of more than 110 million imperial gallons per day (500,000 m³/day) in addition to a water transmission pipeline of approximately 75km, and an in-field distribution network of more than 230km to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa fields in Abu Dhabi.

This important milestone allows the project to move at full speed on the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) level, with commercial operations scheduled for June 2026.

The investment to develop the project, worth USD 2.2 billion, is comprised of a combination of debt and equity. Non-recourse project financing will be provided by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates Development Bank, Emirates NBD Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Gulf International Bank, Natixis, and Warba Bank.

• Metito and British International Investment join forces to establish Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID) platform.
• The new platform aims to address water insecurity and will create a viable commercial model for investment in water infrastructure and provision in Africa.

Cairo – 12 March 2023: Metito Utilities Limited (MUL), a global investor and operator of water, wastewater, and alternative energy management solutions, and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced the launch of their new company Africa Water Infrastructure Development “AWID”, a first-of-its-kind platform to develop climate-smart water projects at scale and to increase water security across Africa.

The official launch of AWID took place at the British Embassy in Cairo, and was hosted by the British Ambassador, Gareth Bayley; MD and Head of Africa for BII, Chris Chijiutomi and Metito MD, Rami Ghandour. The launch was attended by key business leaders in Egypt and from across Africa as well as leading government officials.

Water insecurity is a critical development challenge in Africa.[1] Climate change is expected to reduce water availability and increase the extent of water scarcity, exacerbating existing water-related vulnerabilities caused by other socio-economic factors.[2]   Water quality deterioration is also a major threat among communities throughout Africa as most wastewater generated remains untreated. The significant gap in storage, supply, and access to clean water and sanitation services urgently calls for effective and efficient water management infrastructure.

Climate-induced changes in the water cycle is impacting the provision of water supply to health, economies and food, and increasing inequality of water access.2 COP27 recognised the interdependencies of the water-food-energy nexus, and the implications of climate change, calling for scaled-up investments in water solutions to mitigate, adapt, and increase resilience to the adverse effects of climate change in Africa.

The new platform, AWID, will finance water and wastewater management treatment plants as well as develop and construct world-class facilities that will help to increase access to sustainable, safe and reliable water with a clear focus on countries that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis.

AWID will demonstrate a viable commercial model for water infrastructure and provision in Africa, helping to mobilise long-term investment into the sector. Its investments will integrate green technologies and alternative energy components, which will help to reduce the environmental footprint of water infrastructure projects.

An operational bulk surface water treatment plant in Kigali-Rwanda forms the first asset under the new platform. The 40,000 cubic meters per day plant is currently providing over 25 per cent of the city’s potable water supply, meeting the needs of 500,000 domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers. The Kigali water treatment plant is a public-private partnership (PPP), which is the first of its type under this business model in sub-Saharan Africa (outside of South Africa).

Andrew Mitchell, UK Minister for Development and Africa said: “The climate emergency has made water insecurity a major development challenge in Africa. BII’s partnership with Metito to launch the AWID platform, signals the UK’s continuing commitment to increase development and climate partnerships and financing to help the most vulnerable people and countries impacted by climate change.” 

Commenting on the new partnership, Rami Ghandour, Managing Director of Metito said: “As Africa undergoes rapid urbanisation, there is a pressing demand for water infrastructure. Such projects are particularly capital intensive. An increasing funding gap requires mobilising sustainable investments into the sector. Our partnership with BII will leverage our high-value engineering and use of innovative technologies with access to unrivalled financial resources and support.”

Chris Chijiutomi, MD and Head of Africa at BII added: “Our partnership with Metito is part of BII’s strategy to improve development outcomes by investing in water, sanitation and hygiene. AWID will demonstrate to other investors, governments and operators that private investment can deliver operationally efficient and high-impact water infrastructure projects at scale, that have the potential to drive transformative and sustainable impact in Africa.”

Commenting on the launch, Morgan Landy, Global Director for Infrastructure at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) said: “Investing in water infrastructure is a strategic priority for IFC in Africa and we are working with the private sector to close the funding gap in this critical sector. As a long-standing Metito shareholder, IFC is proud to witness the launch of this new Africa-focused platform that will invest in climate-smart water projects, further promoting economic growth and building a more water-secure Africa.”

AWID will help to contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Goals (SDG 3) on Good Health and Well-being, (SDG5) on Gender Equality, (SDG 6) on Clean Water and Sanitation and (SG13) on Climate Action.

[1] UNU-INWEH (2022), State of Water Security in Africa A Preliminary Assessment v5-Final

[2] Trisos, C.H. et al (2022), Africa. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Metito, a global provider of intelligent water management solutions, has signed the Heads of Agreement with Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund (KIDF), Kazakhstan Centre for Modernization and Development of Housing and Communal Services JSC, and Akimat of Akmola region for the implementation of a transformative wastewater treatment project in the city of Kokshetau.

Signed in the Central Asia Pavilion at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) last week in the presence of senior officials, including Kazakhstan Minister of Energy, Almassadam Satkaliyev, and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, the agreement is another key milestone in Metito’s expansion in Central Asia and marks the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the water and wastewater sector in the Republic.

“Kazakhstan’s leadership is very forward-looking – President Kassym – Jomart Tokayev has stressed the importance of water security at multiple addresses throughout the year – including at COP 28 – highlighting the need for the accelerated introduction of water-saving technologies to mitigate a looming water crisis. We are honoured to partner with the government of Kazakhstan to support the realization of its water security goals through pioneering the first PPP of its kind in the Republic,” commented Rami Ghandour, Chief Executive Officer, Metito Utilities Limited.

“Partnering with top-tier global firms like Metito can facilitate investments, recruitment of skilled professionals and cutting-edge technologies, fostering the advancement and enhancement of sewage systems. Given Metito’s vast expertise across multiple countries, they can play a pivotal role in assisting Kazakhstan in its objectives related to wastewater treatment,” said Zhandos Temirgali, Acting Chairman of Kazakhstan’s national investment agency Kazakh Invest.

According to the United Nations Development Programme, Kazakhstan is experiencing shortages of water resources, with the country forecasted to face significant shortfalls amounting to 50% of its needs by 2040. Since almost all sectors of the economy depend on water, due to its deficiency in the region’s GDP water availability may decrease by 6% by 2050. Metito will be investing in the Kokshetau wastewater treatment project as a private developer and will conduct a comprehensive study and propose detailed solutions to the city and municipality.

“When it comes to developing such capital-intensive infrastructure projects, the Public-Private Partnership scheme remains to be the best formula. We are currently invested in nine PPP’s across multiple markets, and this marks our tenth partnership. We are confident that this project will become an exemplar one in the region setting a new benchmark, and we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders involved,” concluded Ghandour.

The New Delta Treatment plant, developed by the JV comprising Metito, Orascom Construction PLC, Hassan Allam Holding, The Arab Contractors, was awarded some of the most coveted industry awards;
– Engineering News-Record (ENR) Global Best Projects Awards 2023 (Water projects Category)
– MEED | Middle East Economic Digest Projects Awards : National Winner Water Treatment Project of the Year – Egypt
– Big 5 Global : Partnership of the Year -The Middle East
– Big 5 Impact Awards: Power and Water Project of the Year 2023
– Big 5 Egypt Impact Awards: Partnership of the Year -The Middle East

Earlier this year, the project also secured four Guinness World Records.

The New Delta Treatment plant is the largest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters per day, and it serves as a fundamental component of Egypt’s water agenda and strategy for expanding the agricultural area by optimizing freshwater usage and constructing climate-smart water infrastructure. This global recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment and teamwork behind this world-class project that is revolutionizing and setting unprecedented agricultural and environmental preservation standards. The project is not just a milestone for Egypt but for the world.

Metito Utilities and Tahliya Group sign an agreement to jointly develop two projects in Morocco.

Dubai, Dec. 5^th —President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco signed a declaration on December 4^th,2023, to develop a “solid and innovative partnership” in efforts to develop economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Following this announcement, Metito Utilities, a global investor and developer of sustainable water management solutions and climate resilient water assets, signed an agreement with Tahliya Group, a prominent UAE-based infrastructure company specializing in power generation and desalinated water production plants in Africa. Together, Metito and Tahliya intend to develop a multi-user irrigation project, by way of desalinated water, in Morrocco. The desalination projects will be powered by renewable energy.

The official signing ceremony took place at the Metito’s offices in the National Industries Park in Dubai, coinciding with the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event was hosted by Rami Ghandour, CEO Metito Utilities and Zouheir Bensaid, the Chairman and CEO of Tahliya Group.

In response to the unveiling of this strategic partnership, Rami Ghandour expressed, “Metito’s founding principles are Impact, Sustainability, and Innovation. Guided by these principles, we are thrilled to join forces with Tahliya Group to adeptly tackle pressing issues concerning water scarcity, food security, and sustainable development in Morocco. Leveraging Metito’s proficiency in high-value engineering, coupled with our proven track record in developing large-scale desalination plants, and Tahliya Group’s expertise in infrastructure development, we are poised to establish a sustained and meaningful impact through the projects we are developing together.”  Metito has topped the global charts for being the provider of the largest desalination plants, in capacity, for 2 years in a row 2021-22 and 2022-23 as announced by the Global Water Intelligence report.

Zouheir Bensaid, Chairman and CEO of Tahliya Group, underscored the significance of both projects, “Aligned with the UN Sustainability Development Goals, Metito and Tahliya Group, will mark a new milestone in the water industry by developing alternative energy powered desalination plants at a scale, for the purpose of irrigation in Morocco.  Both companies possess all essential attributes and a shared vision that positions this collaboration as one poised for genuine impact on the communities and individuals we aim to reach through our projects. We are confident that our projects will result in substantial and far-reaching effects.”

Morocco is a key market for Metito and Tahliya which promises immense potential as an investment hub, given the nation’s diverse assets and conducive business climate. Metito will examine mobilising multiple pockets of capital and expertise to realise the planned projects, including potentially Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID).

Awarded #1 on the 2022-23 List of  ‘’World’s Top Desalination Plant Suppliers’’

For the second consecutive year, Metito has been listed  ‘’World Top Desalination Plant Suppliers’’ by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) magazine, a leading publisher and event’s organizer for the international water industry. The list is ranked by the awarded capacity and published in GWI Magazine, October 2023 issue.

Scaling up desalination plants and optimizing operations through high-value engineering, advanced technology, and efficient management has been fundamental in Metito’s pursuit of enabling water security and addressing water scarcity. Ranking up this annual chart is a testament to the trust Metito acquired over the years as a leading provider of intelligent water management solutions and reflects Metito’s founding principles of Impact, Sustainability, and Innovation.

GWI’s Top 20 Desalination Plant Suppliers list is sourced from the GWI DesalData and International Desalination Association (IDA) – Desal Plant Inventory and is published annually. This top chart shows the leading suppliers of plants contracted since the start of 2022.

• The 400,000m³/day Perur SWRO Desalination plant marks Metito’s first mega desalination project in India

• The project will supply clean drinking water to over 2.7 million residents in the South Chennai area.

24 August 2023: The JV of VA TECH WABAG (WABAG)- a global leader in innovative water management solutions and Metito – a leading provider of intelligent water solutions signed the contract to develop a 400,000m³/day Perur Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Plant by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The project aims to enhance water security and ensure a steadfast supply of clean potable water to over 2.7 million people residing in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s South Chennai area.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M. K. Stalin, laid the foundation stone for the plant at a ceremony in the state-capital Chennai marking an important milestone for the entire region.

The scope of the JV –covers the entire spectrum of project development – from design and engineering to procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning over a period of 42 months, which will followed by 20 years of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the plant. The desalination process includes Lamella Clarifiers, Dissolved Air Flotation System, Gravity Dual Media Filters, Reverse Osmosis, and Re-mineralization. The joint venture will be led by WABAG,  headquartered in India.

Commenting on the contract award, Fady Juez, Metito’s Managing Director, said, “, “It’s an honor to develop this landmark desalination project alongside our partner in India. The world is facing significant water scarcity issues, and the need for climate-resilient, sustainable water infrastructure is critical. India is a region of high stress due to various factors and securing million liters of desalinated water daily is inherently aligned with our founding principles of Impact, Sustainability, and Innovation. The Indian Government has been promoting various adaptation and preservation strategies to manage water resources more effectively and this project will be a benchmark project for, Chennai, India, and the entire Southeast Asia water scene. We look forward to applying our high-value engineering and integrating the latest technologies to ensure optimum performance and world-class quality output. “

Commenting on this monumental achievement, Mr. Rajiv Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, VA Tech WABAG, Said, “We are glad to be part of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu’s sustainable initiatives for ensuring water security for Chennai City through using innovative water solutions. With the completion of the project, Chennai will emerge as the Desalination Capital of India, with producing over 750 million liters of desalinated water every day out of which WABAG’s contribution will rise to an impressive 70%. The 400 MLD SWRO Desalination Plant will stand as a testament to ingenuity, innovation, and a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future for the city and the state. The undertaking of this project underscores WABAG’s dominant position in the global desalination market.”