Amr Abdel Wahab, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Egyptian Countryside Development Company, reviewed the latest developments in the National Project for the Reclamation, Cultivation and Development of 1.5 Million Feddan during a meeting of the House of Representatives’ defence and national security committee, chaired by Mohamed Abbas Helmy.
The meeting formed part of the committee’s ongoing oversight of Egypt’s major national strategic projects, with discussions focusing on the project’s contribution to strengthening national security, enhancing food and water security, promoting sustainable development and attracting agricultural investment.
Opening the session, Helmy reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to monitoring strategic national projects that reinforce Egypt’s national security while strengthening the country’s economic and development capabilities.
During the meeting, Abdel Wahab presented a comprehensive review of the project’s progress, highlighting implementation rates across the various project sites and outlining the achievements made by the company in recent years.
He reviewed progress in developing infrastructure, including road networks, electricity and potable water services, as well as land preparation and allocation. He also highlighted improvements in contractual procedures and investor services designed to facilitate investment and accelerate project implementation.
Abdel Wahab said the company continues to work closely with relevant ministries and government agencies to remove obstacles facing investors and smallholder beneficiaries, with the aim of maximising the productive use of reclaimed land and increasing agricultural output.
He added that the company is implementing an integrated action plan to accelerate development across all project locations, expand agricultural and productive investments, and provide a stable investment environment that supports Egypt’s efforts to increase cultivated land, enhance food security and establish new agricultural and urban communities beyond the Nile Valley and Delta.
Addressing committee members, Abdel Wahab described the 1.5 Million Feddan Project as a comprehensive model for sustainable development.
“This is a project for the people and by the people. It is a national initiative designed first and foremost to serve Egyptian citizens by strengthening food security, water security and sustainable development, all of which constitute key pillars of Egypt’s national security. The project also reflects the political leadership’s vision for building the New Republic.”
He added that the progress achieved so far reflects sustained efforts, close coordination among state institutions and continuous work to overcome implementation challenges while ensuring the efficient execution of the project.
The meeting featured extensive discussions between committee members and the company’s management on implementation rates, infrastructure development schedules, water resource management, modern irrigation systems, investor attraction strategies and measures to support smallholder beneficiaries through simplified procedures.
Responding to lawmakers’ questions, Abdel Wahab said the company is implementing clearly defined timelines and performance indicators, supported by continuous field monitoring and close coordination with relevant government authorities to ensure projects are delivered on schedule.
For his part, Helmy said the progress achieved demonstrates the scale of the Egyptian state’s efforts and confirms that the project is advancing steadily towards its strategic objectives.
“National security is no longer confined to its military dimension. It now encompasses food, water, economic and development security, making the 1.5 Million Feddan Project one of the most important strategic initiatives being implemented by the Egyptian State to build a safer and more sustainable future.”
He added that the committee closely monitors implementation progress and commended the Egyptian Countryside Development Company for its management of the flagship national project.
Helmy also praised the “Your Farm in Egypt” initiative, describing it as a successful national model that encourages Egyptians living abroad to contribute to the national economy while strengthening their connection to Egypt’s development projects.
Committee members likewise commended the company’s executive and field teams for their efforts, reaffirming the House of Representatives’ continued support for national projects that promote sustainable development and strengthen Egypt’s national security. They also stressed the importance of continued coordination among state institutions to achieve the country’s development goals.
Concluding the meeting, Abdel Wahab emphasised that close cooperation between the executive and legislative branches remains a key factor in the success of major national projects.
“We are working together to transform the desert into productive landscapes and to establish modern agricultural communities that provide housing, services and genuine employment opportunities,” he said.
