Egypt launches Cairo air monitoring upgrade under World Bank–funded project

Egypt has launched an ambitious plan to modernise Greater Cairo’s air quality monitoring network as part of a World Bank–funded project to combat pollution and climate change, the environment ministry said on Monday.

Local Development Minister Manal Awad, who is also acting environment minister, said the upgrade covers 12 monitoring stations across the capital, including two newly established sites. The move will enable Egypt to track fine particulate matter, short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon, and greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and methane.

Awad said the project marks a first-of-its-kind step in the Middle East and will strengthen Egypt’s role as a regional hub for air quality and climate monitoring. She added that the data will provide a stronger scientific base for environmental policymaking, improve health protection, and support the country’s international climate commitments.

The national monitoring network currently includes 121 stations across Egypt, serving as the main reference for tracking pollution levels and evaluating air quality standards, according to the ministry.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English