Egypt, EIB discuss financing for grain logistics hub

Egypt and the European Investment Bank (EIB) discussed potential financing for an integrated grain logistics hub designed to expand storage capacity and improve the handling and distribution of strategic commodities, Egypt’s Supply Ministry said on Tuesday.

Supply and Internal Trade Minister Sherif Farouk met an EIB delegation in Cairo to discuss cooperation on food security and logistics projects, including opportunities for the bank to finance the proposed grain hub, the ministry said.

The hub would strengthen Egypt’s grain storage capacity and improve the efficiency of handling, transporting, and storing strategic commodities, it said.

The talks took place during an EIB delegation visit to Cairo from Sept. 22 to 24 to discuss cooperation priorities with Egyptian ministries and institutions, follow up on existing projects, and consider proposals for 2027.

Farouk said the ministry was seeking to strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions and use available expertise and financing mechanisms to support infrastructure projects linked to food security.

Developing storage and logistics systems was a key part of the ministry’s strategy to strengthen supply chains, reduce losses, and ensure the sustainable availability of strategic commodities, he said.

The two sides also reviewed existing projects and discussed potential projects for inclusion in Egypt’s cooperation portfolio with the EIB for 2027.

Farouk stressed the importance of directing cooperation towards projects with a direct and sustainable impact on food security and those that improve logistics infrastructure and commodity handling.

The EIB delegation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt and supporting projects aligned with the country’s development priorities, the ministry said.

The delegation was led by Ulrich H. Brunnhuber, Head of Operations for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division at EIB.