Egypt’s Water Sector Receives Major Investment Focus, Says Minister

Dr. Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, convened a meeting to review the implementation status of the investment plan for the fiscal year 2025/2026.

During the meeting, the minister presented the approved plan for the fiscal year 2026/2027, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor projects aligned with the second generation of the water system (Water 2.0), in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

The meeting also assessed the progress of current investment plan projects and discussed reallocating budgets among various ministry entities to expedite priority projects and maximize resource utilization.

The report highlighted support for several strategic projects in the current fiscal year, including the expansion of the Toshka spillway, compensation for land acquisition in the eastern delta, completion of canal rehabilitation works under the presidential initiative to develop rural areas known as “Decent Life,” and upgrading the Aswan dam gates.

For fiscal year 2026/2027, targeted funding aims to continue executing major national projects and water infrastructure initiatives. This includes expanding flood protection projects and completing irrigation and drainage development in Siwa Oasis. Additionally, it addresses coastal protection projects in Egypt to cope with climate change impacts evident through changing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and rising sea levels. The national project to regulate the Nile is also a key focus for next year, aimed at restoring order and protecting Egypt’s lifeline represented by the Nile River while enhancing water system efficiency and supporting sustainable development efforts.

The plan also targets improving efficiency and flexibility in managing the High Dam’s systems, including operational management, dam monitoring, and increasing discharge and storage capacities.

Dr. Sewilam emphasized that the water sector is a top priority for the Egyptian state. The ministry’s projects are executed within the framework of “Water System Generation 2.0” to maximize water resource utilization while improving services for farmers and supporting food security. The investment plan for fiscal year 2026/2027 reflects an increase of approximately 28% compared to this year’s revised total plan and about 67% compared to actual expenditures up to the report date.

He also instructed for meticulous monitoring of financial plans, increasing execution rates for ongoing projects, and overcoming any obstacles to ensure project completion within set timelines while achieving maximum benefit from available financial allocations that positively impact developmental objectives.