Egypt secures €262 million from France, EU for water and energy infrastructure projects

Egypt, France, and the European Union (EU) have signed nine financing and grant agreements worth €262.3 million to support water treatment, sanitation, renewable energy, and railway initiatives in Egypt, reports Daily News Egypt. The deals were signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit and the announcement of a new strategic partnership between Egypt and France.

Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, described the agreements as a “pivotal development” in Egyptian-French relations, enhancing the broader Egyptian-European strategic partnership.

During Macron’s visit, Al-Mashat signed two key agreements with the French side, witnessed by both President Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. These included a renewed joint declaration for technical and financial cooperation and another declaration to implement four projects aligned with Egypt’s economic goals.

Al-Mashat emphasized that the strategic partnership “reflected the depth and strength of the historical ties between Egypt and France,” and said it would help expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation. She added that consultations with French authorities will determine priority projects for financing through the French Development Agency (AFD), focusing on areas like sustainable infrastructure, climate action, and human development.

Key projects under the agreements:

• Regional Control Center Project, Alexandria
  Backed by €50 million in concessional financing from AFD and a €10 million EU grant, this energy project aims to modernize Alexandria’s electricity grid, improve supply quality, and support the city’s ambitions to become a regional energy hub.
• New Wastewater Treatment Plant, East Alexandria
  Supported by €68 million in AFD financing and a €2 million grant, the plant will serve around 1.5 million people, easing pressure on current infrastructure and supporting urban expansion.
• Robiki / 10th of Ramadan / Belbeis Railway Line
  With €70m in financing and an €800,000 grant, this railway project aims to boost local industry competitiveness, cut transport costs, and speed up goods movement from dry ports to seaports.
• Al-Gabal Al-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant (Phase 3)
  This project will receive €50 million from AFD, a €1.5 million grant, and a €10 million EU grant. It aims to expand treatment capacity to meet rising demand and enhance sustainable water management.