Egypt, AfDB sign deals to study renewable energy-powered desalination plants

Egypt signed two agreements on Sunday with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to conduct technical studies for a renewable-energy-powered desalination project aimed at strengthening water security, the foreign ministry said.

The project will involve the construction of five desalination plants powered by renewable energy across four governorates, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the initiative is intended to support sustainable development efforts.

The agreements were signed between Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the AfDB following a meeting between Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty and AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah, in the presence of Minister of Housing Randa El-Menshawy.

Abdel-Atty said Egypt’s cumulative cooperation portfolio with the AfDB had exceeded $8 billion by the end of 2025, praising the bank’s role in supporting key sectors including energy, transport, water, agriculture, infrastructure, and housing.

He said Egypt was seeking to deepen cooperation with the bank in line with its 2030 sustainable development strategy, particularly in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and industrial localisation, while also expanding support for the private sector.

The AfDB president reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Egypt as a strategic partner and said it planned to expand investment, particularly in projects supporting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Abdel-Atty also highlighted ongoing cooperation with the bank on major projects, including the Benban Solar Park and electricity grid upgrades to integrate renewable energy, as well as sustainable transport initiatives in Greater Cairo and the New Capital.

He added that Egypt is looking to broaden trilateral cooperation with African countries by leveraging its development expertise and will host the African Business Forum in El Alamein in June on the sidelines of an African Union Summit.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English