Egypt’s PM, Saudi ACWA Power discuss seawater desalination projects

CAIRO - 9 June 2026: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly met on Tuesday with officials from Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power to discuss a framework for executing seawater desalination projects.

Egypt produces 1.8 million cubic meters of desalinated water per day and is targeting a massive leap to 10 million cubic meters. 

The meeting was attended by Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat, Housing Minister Randa El-Minshawy, and ACWA Power Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan, alongside several housing and finance officials.

Madbouly emphasized the strategic, historical ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, noting that the strong relationship serves as a powerful driver for expanding economic partnerships.

Madbouly stated that the government is actively working to attract major international firms to launch projects across several governorates, with a specific focus on localizing the desalination industry.

El-Minshawy noted that her ministry has held several meetings with ACWA Power to review planned projects. She added that the government has received multiple bids from various international companies and is currently evaluating them to secure the best competitive prices and localize manufacturing.

Abunayyan praised the bilateral support from both nations' leaderships, revealing that ACWA Power’s total investments in Egypt have reached $4 billion so far. He highlighted the company’s success in Egypt's electricity sector as a major incentive for expansion.

According to Abunayyan, ACWA Power has submitted its proposals to the Housing Ministry. In line with Egypt’s industrial localization goals, the company has agreed with a leading membrane manufacturer to establish a factory in Egypt.

The project will also feature a dedicated training center to develop local expertise in manufacturing, building, and operating desalination plants. ACWA Power currently produces around 11 million cubic meters of desalinated water daily in Saudi Arabia.