Egypt and Rwanda have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in water resources management, with talks focusing on rainwater harvesting projects, groundwater exploration and technical capacity building during the second meeting of the joint steering committee overseeing water cooperation between the two countries.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam received the Rwandan delegation participating in meetings held in Cairo to assess progress under a bilateral memorandum of understanding on water cooperation.
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Capacity-building
Sewilam also witnessed the signing of the meeting’s final report by representatives from both countries, with discussions centred on advancing technical and development projects in the water sector. The minister said the meetings reflected the strong relationship between Egypt and Rwanda and resulted in a set of recommendations and a roadmap aimed at accelerating implementation of joint initiatives.
Both sides agreed to combine flood protection measures with rainwater harvesting dams using nature-based solutions designed to improve sustainability while reducing erosion and sedimentation. The discussions also identified four proposed sites for groundwater stations, with geophysical studies expected to begin before implementation of the projects.
Sewilam highlighted progress in capacity-building and knowledge-transfer programmes, including preparations for the first joint training programme scheduled for June 2026, in addition to activities linked to groundwater exploration. He noted that technical cooperation between Egypt and Nile Basin countries continues to serve as a model for regional partnerships capable of delivering practical benefits to local communities.
The minister also referenced Egypt’s recently launched $100 million regional financing mechanism intended to support development projects in southern Nile Basin countries. Sewilam further invited the Rwandan delegation to participate in Cairo Water Week 2026, which will take place in October under the theme “Water as a catalyst for peace, shared prosperity and a sustainable planet.”
