Egypt and AfDB Seal Major Deal to Expand Abu Rawash Water Treatment Plant
Quidah is an online platform that connects investors with curated opportunities and expert insights on Africa’s emerging markets, while offering businesses promotional services, partnership facilitation, and market intelligence to attract capital and grow their operations.
Industries
Egypt has entered into a significant financing agreement with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) to fund the fourth phase of the Abu Rawash Water Treatment Plant expansion. The deal was signed by Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rania Al-Mashat, and the AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina.
This new phase of development will raise the plant’s daily treatment capacity from 1.6 million to 2 million cubic metres. The expanded infrastructure is designed to bolster water and sanitation services for millions in Giza, while strengthening the region’s environmental health and agricultural capacity. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities and protect vital ecosystems.
Minister Al-Mashat praised the AfDB’s continued engagement in supporting Egypt’s private sector. She reaffirmed Egypt’s eagerness to access additional financing tools from the Bank to stimulate both domestic and foreign investment.
This collaboration is part of broader strategic initiatives, including the Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) programme and renewable energy-powered desalination efforts. These interconnected projects aim to ensure Egypt’s long-term resource sustainability.
The AfDB’s historical engagement with Egypt is extensive. Since 1974, the Bank has financed over $7.79 billion across 128 sovereign operations, with an additional $1.1 billion invested in 14 private sector projects. In 2023, the Bank provided a $345 million guarantee to support Egypt’s landmark issuance of Africa’s first sustainable Panda bonds, worth $478 million—marking a pivotal moment in diversifying Egypt’s funding landscape.
