Press Release

Acea and Metito Utilities sign memorandum of understanding for water infrastructure development in Africa and the Middle East

The “Italy – UAE Business Forum” event, organized with the aim of promoting and consolidating the economic and industrial ties between Italy and the United Arab Emirates and focused on networking, innovative partnerships and investment opportunities, was held today. The proceedings involved the participation of experts and the countries’ institutional and business representatives.

Acea, attending with a delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Fabrizio Palermo, took part in the session dedicated to infrastructures, where the strategic positioning of Italy and the United Arab Emirates in the development of world-class projects was discussed. During the panel the need was highlighted to carry out resource protection investments in the water sector, now considered a strategic priority at global level, also through partnerships that enable the creation of an international system.

Within this framework, during the event Acea and Metito Utilities today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities for collaboration in the international water sector, with a particular focus on Africa and the Middle East. This agreement formalizes a strategic partnership between Acea, a leading industrial group in the water sector and among the top environmental and energy players, and Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets. The collaboration aims to develop innovative solutions for water security, leveraging both companies' expertise in infrastructure and sustainability.

Under the MOU, both companies will explore potential cooperation in areas such as financing, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining of water and wastewater treatment plants, desalination facilities, water supply and distribution networks, as well as sludge treatment, disposal, and reuse systems. The agreement also includes joint opportunities in technical and commercial services for the water sector.

This agreement represents a strategic opportunity for Acea to expand its presence abroad and is consistent with its participation in the Mattei Plan's steering committee that sees it engaged in research and development of projects for the management of water resources in Africa. The collaboration with Metito Utilities, a globally recognized leader in sustainable water solutions, underscores both companies' commitment to advancing water infrastructure and sustainable resource management to meet future challenges.