Jun 27, 2025
EBRD launches program to improve efficiency of water sector in Azerbaijan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced the launch of the Financial and Operational Performance Improvement Program (FOPIP) for the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan and its subordinate entities, Report informs referring to the EBRD.
The initiative is a technical assistance project co-financed by the European Union and implemented with the support of the consulting company Aqwadem Consulting. As noted by the initiative coordinator, Jelena Čirković, the EBRD's Principal Counselor II on Infrastructure Sector Reforms and Economic Governance, the goal of the program is to strengthen the country's water sector management, increase operational and financial sustainability, and introduce environmentally and cost-effective practices, including in procurement.
"I am pleased to coordinate this important initiative on behalf of EBRD, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders on this impactful journey!" she stressed. "Excited to kick off a new chapter in Azerbaijan’s water sector!"
The EBRD has allocated 35 million euros to finance the modernization of water management systems in Ganja, the loan agreement for which was signed in January 2025. The project will also be co-financed by an EU grant of up to 5 million euros. The allocated funds will be used to build a water pipeline, sewer collectors, reservoirs, stormwater management systems, and other supporting infrastructure. These measures will improve access to all types of water services for the population and at the same time increase the city's resilience to the effects of climate change.
Ganja joined the EBRD's flagship Green Cities programme in 2020. The current water infrastructure project is the bank's third major investment in the city.
Earlier, in 2022, the EBRD provided financing for the modernization of the waste management system, and then supported the improvement of the city's street lighting infrastructure.
As of April 30 this year, the EBRD's total loan portfolio in Azerbaijan reached 1.004 billion euros. In total, the bank has invested over 3.778 billion euros in the country, implementing 197 projects in various sectors of the economy. Of this amount, actual disbursements amounted to 3.089 billion euros, while the total amount of cumulative payments and guarantees provided amounted to 3.41 billion euros.
