Egypt has bagged US $290M to support various strategic sectors, including water treatment, sanitation, renewable energy, and transportation. This follows a signings of signing nine financial and grant agreements between the country, France, and the European Union during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Egypt. The visit also marked the launch of a new strategic partnership between Egypt and France, aimed at enhancing cooperation in development and investment.
Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, highlighted the importance of the agreements, describing them as a milestone in the long-standing relationship between Egypt and France. She noted that the partnership would further strengthen Egypt’s ties with the broader European Union, creating new opportunities for economic collaboration. According to Al-Mashat, this cooperation reflects shared priorities in sustainable development, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
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Project details
Among the key initiatives supported by these agreements is the Regional Control Center project in Alexandria, which will modernize the city’s electricity infrastructure with US $55M in concessional financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) and a US $11M grant from the EU. This project aims to improve energy reliability and help Alexandria become a hub for regional energy distribution.
Additionally, a new wastewater treatment plant will be constructed in East Alexandria, backed by US $75M in AFD financing and a US $2M grant. This facility will serve approximately 1.5 million residents and alleviate pressure on existing sanitation infrastructure, especially in areas undergoing rapid urban development. Another major project includes upgrades to the Robiki–10th of Ramadan–Belbeis railway line, which will receive US $78M in funding and an US $886,226 grant to enhance industrial transportation and streamline cargo movement between inland and coastal logistics centers.
The agreements also cover the third phase of the Al-Gabal Al-Asfar wastewater treatment plant, one of Egypt’s largest sanitation projects. It will be expanded with the help of US $55M from AFD, a US $1.7M grant, and a US $11M contribution from the EU. This expansion is expected to increase capacity and improve the sustainability of Egypt’s water management systems.
