Egypt has reviewed the implementation of water cooperation projects with several Nile Basin countries and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional development through a $100m financing mechanism for priority projects, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said.
According to a ministry statement, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam met senior officials from the Nile Water Affairs Sector to review bilateral cooperation agreements and assess progress on joint projects with Nile Basin countries.
Sewilam said Egypt’s approach is based on promoting development cooperation through infrastructure projects, technical studies and capacity-building programmes that support local communities and strengthen national institutions across the basin.
The projects include the construction of solar-powered groundwater wells for drinking water, ground reservoirs, river jetties, aquatic weed removal initiatives, rainfall and flood forecasting centres, water quality monitoring facilities, applied research programmes, and technical knowledge exchange.
The minister noted that, under the directives of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt has launched a $100m financing mechanism to support feasibility studies and priority development projects in Nile Basin countries, while expanding the participation of Egyptian companies in implementing these projects.
The meeting reviewed progress in cooperation with Uganda, including the sixth phase of the water hyacinth removal project launched in 2023 and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding on integrated water resources management.
Officials also assessed ongoing cooperation with Rwanda, covering rainwater harvesting projects, nature-based flood protection measures, groundwater development, and capacity-building programmes.
Discussions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo focused on the operation of a rainfall and climate forecasting centre, solar-powered groundwater drinking water stations, modern irrigation projects, technical training programmes, and potential new development initiatives.
The meeting further reviewed technical cooperation between Egypt and Sudan through the Permanent Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters, including coordination meetings, training programmes, and the exchange of technical expertise.
Concluding the meeting, Sewilam directed ministry officials to continue monitoring the implementation of cooperation agreements and maintain close coordination with partner countries to address any challenges, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and delivering sustainable development benefits across the Nile Basin.
