New UAE-Italian Alliance Set to Transform Water Infrastructure Across Middle East and Africa
New UAE-Italian Alliance Set to Transform Water Infrastructure Across Middle East and Africa
February 25, 2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 February 2025—Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets, has signed into three landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Italian institutions this week: Italy’s national promotional institution and development bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), SACE – Italy’s Export Credit Agency and insurance–financial group, and ACEA S.p.A., a major industrial group in the water sector and a leader in environmental and energy services. The agreements, formalized during the UAE-Italy Business Forum in Rome and signed in the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. These strategic partnerships set the stage for transformative water infrastructure developments that will enhance water security and improve millions of lives across Africa, the UAE, and other regions where water infrastructure is critically needed.
These collaborations usher in a new era of Italy-UAE cooperation in sustainable water infrastructure, fully aligned with Italy’s ambitious Mattei Plan and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and sustainable communities. By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of CDP, SACE and ACEA S.p.A., Metito Utilities is set to accelerate the deployment of sustainable water solutions across key markets.
Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, said: “As countries work to achieve water security for their growing communities, these partnerships create unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable solutions. By combining Metito Utilities extensive experience with Italian expertise and financial capabilities, we are creating a powerful framework to address critical infrastructure needs and enhance water security across multiple markets.” Building on our commitment to Africa initiated with AWID launched with BII, these collaborations further underscore our dedication to developing sustainable water infrastructure across the continent.
The collaboration with CDP opens vital funding channels for water infrastructure, with a particular focus on Africa’s Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible nations. By aligning with Italy’s development goals, this initiative creates opportunities for Italian businesses while addressing critical infrastructure needs in developing markets.
The strategic cooperation with SACE will bring innovative financial solutions and insurance mechanisms to accelerate project development throughout Africa, the UAE, and other high-need regions, strengthening the ties between Italian industry and emerging markets, fostering both economic growth and sustainable development in the water sector.
Working with ACEA S.p.A, a leader in water and energy services, Metito Utilities will spearhead innovative solutions for sustainable water management across Africa and the Middle East. The combined expertise of both organizations will revolutionize the development of treatment plants, desalination facilities, and distribution networks, bringing cutting-edge water security solutions to communities in need.
To capitalize on emerging opportunities in Africa, Metito Utilities will seek to marshal diverse sources of capital and leverage its expertise to bring planned projects to execution, incorporating relevant initiatives under its Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID) framework, a first-of-its-kind platform designed to develop climate-smart water projects at scale and enhance water security across the continent—where applicable.