Finance, irrigation ministries discuss financing framework for modern irrigation projects

CAIRO  - 14 April 2026: Egypt’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam held a meeting to review mechanisms for strengthening coordination on water management policies and financing plans for irrigation modernization.

 

The talks focused on enhancing inter-ministerial cooperation to support Egypt’s water system and ensure the effective implementation of development objectives, particularly those related to upgrading irrigation infrastructure and improving efficiency in water use across the agricultural sector.

 

Kouchouk stressed the importance of continued coordination between relevant ministries across shared files, highlighting the positive impact of such integration on public welfare. 

 

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving water-use efficiency through the adoption of modern technologies.

 

Sewilam emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely execution of water sector projects in line with approved implementation schedules. He noted that strong coordination is essential to improving operational efficiency and accelerating project delivery.

 

The meeting also reviewed a proposed protocol involving the Ministries of Water Resources and Irrigation, Agriculture, and Finance, in addition to state-owned banks, aimed at financing projects for the transition to modern irrigation systems.

 

The initiative is expected to support Egypt’s broader efforts to modernize agriculture by expanding access to financing for irrigation upgrades and encouraging the adoption of efficient farming practices.

 

Sewilam underlined that the application of modern irrigation systems is mandatory in desert areas under the relevant water law, alongside ongoing canal development and field-level improvements. He added that these measures are key to boosting productivity, improving crop quality, and reducing water consumption.

 

He further noted that improved irrigation management will enhance the allocation of water resources in terms of both timing and quantity, contributing to more efficient agricultural operations.