During the Egypt–EU Investment Forum held as part of the eighth Cairo Water Week, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, highlighted the critical role of innovation and collective action in advancing sustainable water management. He emphasized that investment in the water sector is a strategic commitment to sustainability, stability, and peace, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation between Egypt and the European Union across water, energy, and climate initiatives.
Joined by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy Jessica Roswall, and EU Ambassador to Egypt Angelena Eichhorst, Sewilam noted that the forum reflects the deepening partnership between Egypt and the EU in promoting water management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Sewilam pointed to the long-standing cooperation between Egypt and the EU, which has supported joint water projects exceeding €200m in recent years. He also highlighted key milestones, including the signing of the Egypt–EU Water Partnership Declaration in late 2023, which established a formal platform for bilateral cooperation, followed by the June 2024 Strategic Partnership Declaration between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This declaration positioned water, energy, climate action, and investment as core elements of their shared vision for regional stability and prosperity.
Addressing Egypt’s water challenges, Sewilam stressed that the country ranks among the most water-scarce globally, with per-capita water availability at approximately 500 cubic meters annually, and over 98% of its water resources originating beyond its borders. He cited population growth, climate change, and unilateral actions by Ethiopia as significant pressures on Egypt’s water security.
To tackle these challenges, Sewilam announced the launch of Egypt’s “Irrigation 2.0” initiative, the second generation of the country’s irrigation system. This framework aims to shape the future of water management through digitalization, smart water management, and enhanced water reuse, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and key development partners. He emphasized that technology and data-driven solutions are vital for improving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the sector.
Concluding his remarks, Sewilam reiterated that sustainable investment and innovation are essential not only to safeguard water as a fundamental resource but also to strengthen water as a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity between Egypt, the EU, and their global partners.
