Prime Minister Follow-ups on Development Projects in Al Wadi Al Gedid

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt’s Prime Minister, convened a meeting today to review the status of service and development projects in Al Wadi Al Gedid Governorate. The meeting was attended by Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, and Hanan Magdy, Governor of Al Wadi Al Gedid.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized that the gathering was part of regular oversight on the implementation of service and development projects across various governorates. The goal is to accelerate the progress of these projects to enhance the quality of services provided to citizens.

The Minister of Local Development noted that Al Wadi Al Gedid has unique developmental resources. She highlighted that the successful execution of 100% of the “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) initiative projects in Farafra Center serves as a model for exemplary work. The minister also mentioned ongoing monitoring of various developmental and service sector files with the governor.

Governor Hanan Magdy presented a report titled “Al Wadi Al Gedid: A Strategic Vision for an Integrated and Sustainable Desert Economy.” This report outlined several key areas focused on a strategic approach aimed at building an integrated desert economy that preserves groundwater while maximizing returns through industry, tourism, and renewable energy. The initiative seeks to transform Al Wadi Al Gedid into a national center for sustainable industries, eco-tourism, clean energy, and smart desert communities, thereby presenting a pioneering Egyptian model for balanced development.

Magdy highlighted that the governorate possesses numerous advantages and opportunities, including solar energy, untapped mineral resources, competitive export crops (such as dates and potatoes), and an environment conducive to an integrated economic model. She further pointed out the strategic location of the governorate linking Egypt to Africa.

The governor explained that their strategic vision is driven by several developmental engines starting with manufacturing industries, followed by mining and extraction industries, solar energy initiatives, and diverse tourism opportunities.

Regarding manufacturing industries and value chains, Governor Magdy noted efforts to convert local crops such as dates, potatoes, and wheat into agricultural products through industrial complexes designed to process raw materials into finished goods while also recycling agricultural waste into organic fertilizers and animal feed.

She also discussed agricultural investment indicators and land allocation maps for investors while emphasizing that a comprehensive digital database is being prepared for targeted agricultural expansion. Approximately 600,000 acres are expected to be reclaimed for agricultural purposes along with interactive agricultural mapping to support planning and investment in the region.

In terms of significant projects in manufacturing sectors executed in collaboration with Upper Egypt Development Authority, Magdy mentioned initiatives such as a date packing facility, an artisanal industrial complex in Marzouk village in Balat Center, a reclamation project covering 450 acres at Abu Tartour, an agricultural waste recycling plant, alongside enhancing the date processing complex in partnership with the private sector. Additionally, studies are underway for establishing a food industry complex spanning 100 acres. A cooperation protocol has been signed between Al Wadi Al Gedid and Aswan governorates to promote economic integration and investment opportunities between them.

The governor also addressed the mechanization project for the Land Reclamation Fund during the meeting. This initiative is considered Egypt’s first investment fund aimed at digitizing all administrative operations within it while enhancing its digital infrastructure. An electronic portal for land funds is being established as a comprehensive platform to increase efficiency while saving time and effort.

Magdy presented updates on mining strategies related to fertilizer production complexes and specialized mining industries along with high-precision glass technologies. Efforts are ongoing to establish an international applied technology school focused on mining to ensure technology localization and provide specialized labor forces. There are promising investment opportunities within mineral resources supporting strategic industries.

Regarding renewable energy initiatives underlined in their strategic vision’s third driver, she pointed out plans for solar power generation stations aimed at supporting agricultural and industrial growth through providing clean energy at competitive costs while attracting energy-intensive industries. Additionally, there are initiatives aimed at developing human capital through establishing a technological school specializing in new and renewable energy. Noteworthy solar projects have been implemented across schools, mosques, and government irrigation wells resulting in reduced traditional electricity consumption.

The fourth driver focuses on promoting diverse tourism opportunities leveraging environmental assets along with therapeutic heritage aspects. Governor Magdy reiterated their commitment to enhancing tourism diversity which positions the region as a unique tourist destination while utilizing newly developed national infrastructure facilitating year-round tourist access.

Investment opportunities within therapeutic tourism were also addressed; she asserted that sulfur springs and hot underground wells represent promising investments within this sector.

Furthermore, Magdy discussed ongoing efforts regarding state property regulation within the governorate alongside updates concerning spatial change systems where total changes reached 534 cases with immediate actions taken against violations.

The current status of the governorate’s investment plan was also reviewed; expenditures have been allocated towards development programs across sectors including electricity provision, road improvements, local administrative support needs alongside environmental enhancement efforts urban development initiatives among other developmental programs.

Concerning President Sisi’s “Haya Karima” initiative projects within Al Wadi Al Gedid Governorate specifically mentioned that phase one projects have been executed in Farafra Center comprising 321 completed projects which are now undergoing operational readiness procedures before delivery.