TURNING WASTE INTO WATER: DR. SALMA BOUGARRANI’S MISSION TO SOLVE MOROCCO’S WATER CRISIS

In this month's edition, we sit down with Dr. Salma Bougarrani, who shares how her background in environmental science shaped the creation of Green Watech’s decentralized wastewater treatment systems. She discusses the urgent water challenges facing rural Morocco, the real-world impact of treating over 550 million liters of wastewater, and her journey from the lab to the field. As Africa’s Business Heroes 2nd prize winner, she reflects on how visibility and support from the ABH community will help her in her mission to scale Green Watech’s mission across the continent.

1. You have a strong academic background in science. How has that shaped the technology and approach behind Green Watech?
   
   When I was exploring the idea of doing my PhD, it was during a time when there was a strong push for high tech solutions. Everyone seemed to be working on drones or AI-enabled systems. But I wanted to focus on a simple, low tech solution that rural communities could use without breaking the bank. That decision was shaped by my own story. I spent my childhood holidays in my father’s village, where wastewater was often channeled into rivers we also swam in. Clean water was a serious need, and I knew I wanted to work on something practical, something that would not just sit in a research paper but respond to a real challenge I deeply cared about.
   
   That same thinking shaped the technology behind Green Watech. My scientific background helped ensure our approach was grounded in rigorous environmental science. It guided the development of our FISO technology, which relies on simple, natural processes to treat wastewater. We designed it to be durable, ecological, and perfectly adapted to rural realities without the need for sophisticated or costly equipment.
   Image: Green Watech’s FISO technology
2. What exactly is the solution you are building at Green Watech, what makes it unique and how does it respond to the specific water challenges Morocco faces, especially in rural areas?
   
   At Green Watech, we develop decentralized, low cost wastewater treatment plants known as FISO systems. These systems convert domestic wastewater into clean water that can be reused for agriculture. In rural Morocco, communities often face two major challenges: water scarcity and lack of proper sanitation. Our solution directly addresses both by treating wastewater locally and turning it into a reliable source of irrigation water. This supports farmers, strengthens food security, and reduces pressure on freshwater resources.
   
   What makes our approach unique is that it was designed specifically for the Moroccan context. Before developing our solution, we benchmarked existing technologies in Morocco and abroad, carefully studying their strengths and limitations. At the time, most wastewater treatment systems in the country were imported and not adapted to local realities. We wanted something different, something simple, durable, and affordable. FISO systems are passive, meaning they do not require any energy to operate. This makes them more accessible and sustainable for rural communities. They are also easy to maintain locally. During COVID-19, for example, many imported wastewater systems shut down either because replacement parts could not be imported or because technicians were unable to travel. Our systems continued operating because they are locally built and managed.
   
   By designing a solution that is low tech, community driven, and energy free, we are helping rural areas take ownership of their water and sanitation needs in a way that is both practical and sustainable.
   
   What inspired you to take your scientific expertise and turn it into an entrepreneurial venture? Was there a particular moment or insight that pushed you in that direction?
   
   It was not a single moment but a series of them. After completing my PhD, I secured a high-paying job at a respected corporation in Germany. But each time I visited a rural village and saw farmers struggling with drought or families living without access to safe water, I felt a growing sense of urgency. These experiences made it clear that scientific knowledge alone was not enough. I felt a responsibility to turn that knowledge into something practical, something that could improve lives. That is what ultimately pushed me toward entrepreneurship.
   
   Making the decision to return to Morocco was not easy. Everyone thought I was crazy. Why would anyone in their right mind choose to start something from scratch? But I had the support of my co-founder and a deep conviction that this was exactly where I was meant to be. Green Watech was born from the accumulation of these moments, of witnessing both hardship and resilience, and from a determination to turn science into solutions that matter.
3. Who are your primary clients or users today, and how do you reach the communities or institutions that need your solution most?
   
   Our primary clients include agricultural farms, rural villages, ecotourism sites such as campsites and lodges, rural schools, and industrial sites. We reach these users through local cooperatives, municipalities, and NGOs, and rely heavily on word-of-mouth within rural networks. We also partner with government programs and development organizations to reach underserved communities.
   
   Currently, our client base is:
   • 70% private sector: We serve clients ranging from smallholder farms to large-scale agricultural operations, as well as eco-lodges, campsites, and hotels
   • 20% public sector: There is still a significant need in this sector as we still have more than 32,000 villages in Morocco still lack access to clean water
   • 10% NGOs, specifically those focused on water and sanitation
   
   As a bootstrapped company, our client base is currently skewed towards the private sector because we need to generate revenue and build a strong foundation. However, we are deeply aware of the urgent needs in the public sector and among low-income communities. Our long-term vision is to serve these areas by developing even more affordable solutions tailored to their realities.
   
   What kind of measurable impact have you seen so far, whether in water access, community health, or environmental outcomes?
   
   To date, we have treated over 550 million liters of wastewater, improved the lives of more than 70,000 people, and enabled the irrigation of hundreds of hectares of farmland. In the communities we serve, we have seen a clear reduction in health issues related to contaminated water and noticeable increases in crop yields, both of which directly strengthen food security.
   
   One example stands out: during a recent visit to a partner community, residents shared that, thanks to access to treated water for irrigation, they were able to harvest 18 tonnes of olives. This kind of outcome has a direct impact on their income and food security, and it is stories like these that drive our work and keep us focused on scaling our impact.
   
   Scaling a water solution is capital intensive. How did you finance the company in the beginning, and how have your funding strategies evolved since then?
   
   In the beginning, we bootstrapped Green Watech using personal savings and small contracts. As we demonstrated our impact, we gradually secured larger grants, awards, and partnerships with development agencies. Today, we are preparing to adopt blended finance models that combine grants with strategic investments aligned with our mission. We have found a way that allows us to balance between sustainability and impact. Our private clients generate healthy margins, which in turn allow us to offer affordable services to the public sector and focus on reaching underserved communities.
   
   What made you apply to Africa’s Business Heroes, and what was the most valuable part of that experience for you?
   
   I applied to Africa’s Business Heroes because the program champions impact-driven African entrepreneurs, exactly what Green Watech stands for. The most valuable part of the experience was the mentorship and the deep exposure to a pan-African network of innovators. It strengthened my leadership and helped sharpen our growth strategy.
   
   Being named the 2nd prize winner was beyond anything I expected. Making it to the top 10 was already a significant milestone for our company. Winning brought powerful validation of our mission and hard work. On a personal level, it boosted my confidence as a woman scientist and entrepreneur. Professionally, it gave Green Watech new credibility, opening doors to collaborations and opportunities to scale our impact.
   
   Since then, how has the visibility or support from the ABH community influenced the direction or momentum of Green Watech?
   
   The visibility helped us attract new partners, clients, and advisors. The ABH community also connected me to other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, offering invaluable peer support. It energized our expansion plans and gave us a stronger platform to advocate for sustainable water management across Africa.
   
   Do you see Green Watech expanding beyond Morocco? If so, where do you see the greatest potential and what would be required to make that move?
   
   Yes, absolutely. We are preparing to expand to West and East Africa- regions facing acute water and sanitation challenges. The greatest potential lies in countries with large rural populations and agricultural economies. To make that move, we need strategic local partnerships, financing for pilot projects, and strong community engagement to adapt our solutions locally.
   
   Looking ahead, what kind of long-term or systemic change do you hope Green Watech will drive within Morocco and beyond?
   
   We want decentralized wastewater treatment to become a normal part of rural and peri-urban planning, not something forgotten. Long-term, I dream of a future where everyone has the right to clean water and strong food systems. We hope to expand our model across Africa and build a continent that is more water-secure and resilient to climate change.

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