A financing mechanism of $100 million has been created to explore and execute development initiatives, including dam projects, in the southern Nile Basin nations, as Cairo aims to enhance water and development collaboration throughout the region. This mechanism has an initial funding allocation of $100 million and will back projects aligned with the priorities of the involved countries, as stated in a joint announcement by the Foreign and Irrigation Ministries.
During a meeting that emphasized relations with Nile Basin nations and coordination on regional and global water matters, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam discussed the initiative. The ministers highlighted that Egyptian projects in the basin encompass dams, notably Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere hydropower project, along with solar-powered groundwater wells and stations, river docks, water-storage facilities, rainfall forecasting centers, and water-quality laboratories. Additional programs focus on flood protection, controlling aquatic weeds, and training and capacity building.
The two ministers expressed Cairo’s desire to transform cooperation with Nile Basin nations into initiatives that yield concrete developmental benefits, consistent with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Africa Water Vision 2063. Simultaneously, they reaffirmed Egypt’s opposition to unilateral actions that they claim violate international law in the eastern Nile Basin.
They emphasized that the management of transboundary Nile waters should adhere to international law, incorporating principles of harm avoidance and cooperation through prior notification, consultation, and consensus. The ministers stated that safeguarding Egypt’s water security is compatible with the development goals of other Nile Basin countries, noting that Cairo intends to utilize available options under international law to defend its water rights.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, where Egypt and Japan will co-chair the third interactive dialogue, “Water for the Planet,” focusing on initiatives aimed at advancing from policy discussions to actual implementation. Officials also talked about Egypt’s role in hosting UNCCD COP18 in 2028, with plans to more closely connect efforts to combat drought and desertification with water and food security, especially in African nations.
Source: Daily News Egypt
