Egypt's Irrigation Min., WB Official discuss cooperation in water management and climate adaptation

CAIRO - 9 June 2026: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam and World Bank Regional Director Meskerem Brhane discussed on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, strengthening cooperation in water resources management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.

Sewilam highlighted Egypt’s growing water challenges, noting that the country depends on the Nile for more than 98 percent of its water resources while facing increasing demand and limited per capita water availability.

He reviewed national efforts to enhance water security through water reuse projects, agricultural drainage treatment, and the implementation of the Water 2.0 initiative under Egypt’s long-term water strategies.

The talks focused on improving water governance, expanding digital transformation and smart water management systems, strengthening climate resilience, and increasing the use of non-conventional water resources. The minister also highlighted the role of more than 6,400 water users associations in promoting participatory water management and improving agricultural efficiency.

Both sides reviewed major water treatment and reuse projects, including Bahr El-Baqar, Al-Mahsama, and New Delta, as well as the World Bank’s “Water Forward” initiative and the proposed Water Compact framework. Discussions also explored future cooperation in irrigation modernization, groundwater management, water treatment and reuse, climate adaptation, infrastructure development, and private-sector participation in the water sector.