Egypt Secures €262.3 Million in Strategic Deals with France, EU

CAIRO – 8 April 2025: Egypt has entered into nine new agreements with France and the European Union, securing a total of €262.3 million in concessional financing and grants to support a series of high-priority national projects. The agreements span vital sectors including water treatment, sanitation, electricity, and railway infrastructure, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation.

The agreements were signed during the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cairo, where he met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In the presence of both leaders, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, signed two pivotal agreements with the French side.

The first agreement renewed a previously signed joint declaration—originally established in June 2021—to reinforce technical and financial cooperation on Egypt’s developmental priorities. The second agreement outlines the implementation of four strategic projects aimed at accelerating Egypt’s economic progress through a shared vision with France.

Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the ministry will soon begin consultations with relevant French authorities to identify and prioritize projects for implementation. Financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) will be directed toward areas of mutual interest, including sustainable infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and technological and human development.

Among the signed agreements is a €60 million package—comprising €50 million in financing from AFD and a €10 million grant from the EU—for the Alexandria Regional Control Center. The project will help modernize electricity control facilities in Alexandria, improve supply reliability, and support Egypt’s increasing energy demand and renewable energy integration goals.

Another agreement covers the development of a new wastewater treatment plant in East Alexandria, with €68 million in AFD financing and a €2 million grant. The project will upgrade wastewater services and accommodate the growing population, aiming to serve 1.5 million people by 2032.

Egypt also secured €70 million in financing and an €800,000 grant for the Rubiki–10th of Ramadan–Belbeis railway project. Designed to improve the movement of freight between dry ports and seaports, the project will reduce transportation costs and support industrial expansion.

Additionally, a major expansion of the Gabal El-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant will be funded through €50 million in AFD financing, €1.5 million in grants from AFD, and a €10 million EU grant. The project will increase treatment capacity to meet the growing needs of Cairo’s urban population.

These agreements mark a significant milestone in the evolving strategic partnership between Egypt, France, and the European Union, underpinned by a mutual commitment to economic growth, sustainability, and long-term development cooperation.