Dr. Asma El Kasmi (Morocco)

Dr. Asma El Kasmi (Morocco)

(Director of Cooperation & Communication, 

ONEE – Water Branch, Morocco 

| UNESCO Chairholder on Water, Women and Decision-Making)

When we think about securing Africa's water future, our minds often turn to infrastructure, technology and investment. Yet lasting water security also depends on strong institutions, effective governance and ensuring that women are represented wherever decisions about water are made.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Asma El Kasmi has been advancing that vision.

Dr. El Kasmi serves as Director of Cooperation & Communication at the Office National de l'Électricité et de l'Eau Potable (ONEE) – Water Branch, Morocco's national public utility responsible for water and electricity services. In this role, she leads strategic partnerships and international cooperation initiatives that strengthen Morocco's engagement on water governance, sustainable development and regional collaboration.

Alongside her leadership at ONEE, Dr. El Kasmi has served since 2006 as the UNESCO Chairholder on Water, Women and Decision-Making at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Through this pioneering initiative, she has worked to advance women's leadership in the water sector by promoting research, education, capacity building and policy dialogue on integrated water resources management and inclusive governance.

Her professional career spans more than three decades across academia, scientific research, public service and international cooperation. Before joining ONEE, she served as a university professor and researcher in Morocco, Europe and the United States, building an interdisciplinary career that bridges science, policy and sustainable development.

Dr. El Kasmi holds doctoral degrees in Electrochemistry and Bioelectrochemistry, and throughout her career has championed collaboration between governments, universities, utilities, civil society and development partners to strengthen water governance and build more resilient water systems.

Her leadership extends beyond Morocco through active engagement with regional and international organisations working to advance gender equality, water diplomacy and sustainable water management. By championing women's participation in leadership and decision-making, she has helped reinforce the principle that achieving water security requires diverse perspectives and inclusive institutions.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Africa's water sector, Dr. El Kasmi is featured in the inaugural 100 African Women Leading Africa's Water & Sanitation Future Compendium, celebrating women whose leadership is transforming water and sanitation across the continent.

As Africa advances towards the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, Dr. Asma El Kasmi reminds us that the continent's water future will be shaped not only by engineering solutions, but also by collaboration, inclusive governance and courageous leadership.

Today, Africa's Women's Day Awareness proudly honours Dr. Asma El Kasmi for her remarkable contribution to advancing women's leadership in water governance and for helping shape a more inclusive, resilient and water-secure Africa.

Sources: UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), Think Tank Resources. Asma El Kasmi – Professional Biography; African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) & Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN).