Egypt and AfDB sign deal to expand Abu Rawash Water Treatment Plant
Egypt has signed a new financing agreement with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) for the fourth phase of the Abu Rawash Water Treatment Plant project, as reported by Zawya.
The agreement was signed by Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB.
This phase will increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 1.6 million to 2 million cubic meters per day, aiming to enhance water and sanitation services for the residents of Giza. The upgrade is expected to improve health infrastructure, environmental conditions, and agricultural opportunities, while also generating jobs and supporting ecosystem protection.
Al-Mashat praised the AfDB for its continued support in empowering the private sector, stating, “Egypt is looking forward to securing further financing mechanisms and tools provided by the bank to promote local and foreign investment in Egypt.” She also highlighted ongoing collaboration through the Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) initiative and renewable energy desalination projects.
In 2023, the AfDB provided a $345 million guarantee to support Egypt’s issuance of Africa's first sustainable Panda bonds, valued at $478 million—an important step toward diversifying the country’s funding sources.
The African Development Bank has been active in Egypt since 1974, with a sovereign cooperation portfolio surpassing $7.79 billion across 128 operations. Its non-sovereign portfolio has also grown, reaching over $1.1 billion through 14 private sector projects.
