Egypt, World Bank discuss support for priority water projects

Egypt is seeking technical assistance and financing from the World Bank for priority water projects as the country works to strengthen water security and improve resource management, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said on Thursday.

Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam met with World Bank’s Practice Manager for Water David Michaud on the sidelines of the ninth Cairo Water Week to discuss expanding cooperation in water resources development and management, the ministry said in a statement.

Egypt is looking to build on its longstanding partnership with the World Bank and draw on international expertise to modernise its water management system, Sewilam said. The efforts are aligned with the country’s national priorities, the National Water Resources and Irrigation Strategy 2050 and its second-generation water management system, known as 2.0.

The discussions covered upgrading water infrastructure, improving irrigation and drainage efficiency, expanding water treatment and reuse, and introducing modern technologies and digital solutions.

The two sides also discussed technical assistance to prepare and assess priority projects, potential financing mechanisms, and ways to attract additional partnerships and investment into the water sector.

They explored integrated water planning and the exchange of expertise on modern approaches to managing water resources and maximising their use across sectors.

Sewilam called for continued coordination between ministry officials and the World Bank to identify technical and financial support opportunities and ensure that cooperation addresses Egypt’s national water priorities, the statement said.