Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and Coca-Cola are discussing a potential project to treat and desalinate agricultural drainage water using renewable energy as part of efforts to expand the country’s non-conventional water resources.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam and representatives of Coca-Cola, according to a statement from the ministry. The talks focused on possible cooperation under Coca-Cola’s global Replenish 2.0 programme, which supports water sustainability initiatives.
According to the ministry, the project would involve treating moderately saline agricultural drainage water and converting it into a source of irrigation water without requiring additional withdrawals from the Nile River.
The discussions were held within the framework of Egypt’s Water Resources Strategy 2050, which identifies water reuse as a key measure for addressing challenges related to water scarcity, population growth, and climate change.
Sewilam said the proposed project is part of a broader national programme aimed at expanding water reuse, improving water quality, and strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate-related pressures.
The minister said the proposal builds on years of technical and institutional studies conducted in cooperation with organisations including the United Nations Development Programme, the International Development Research Centre, and the Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability at the American University in Cairo. According to Sewilam, the studies concluded that the project is technically, environmentally, and economically viable.
He added that Egypt is seeking to strengthen cooperation with private sector partners and development organisations to implement water management projects and support sustainable development goals. Sewilam also said the ministry supports the adoption of modern technologies and non-conventional water solutions that meet economic and technical feasibility requirements.
The ministry said the initiative could provide a model for public-private cooperation in water management and contribute to food security, employment opportunities, and support for communities facing increasing water stress.
Coca-Cola representatives said they were interested in supporting projects with environmental and social benefits and noted that discussions would continue regarding potential financing and implementation arrangements for the project.
