By Abdullahi Lukman
Egypt has invested more than LE635 billion in drinking water and sanitation infrastructure over the past 12 years, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has said, as the government intensifies efforts to improve water security and expand access to essential services.
Madbouly disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the fifth International Exhibition and Conference for Water, Wastewater, Desalination, and Waste Treatment and Recycling Technologies (IWWI 2026).
He said the investments had supported the expansion of water treatment facilities, sanitation networks and related infrastructure to meet growing demand and support urban and economic development.
The prime minister, however, stressed that the country’s next phase of infrastructure development must focus not only on constructing new facilities but also on improving the efficiency, maintenance and financial sustainability of existing assets.
He noted that water, energy and infrastructure were increasingly important to economic growth, national competitiveness and citizens’ quality of life, particularly amid climate change, resource scarcity and rising demand.
Madbouly identified seawater desalination, advanced wastewater treatment and water recycling as key priorities for diversifying Egypt’s water resources and addressing growing pressure on supplies.
He said achieving these goals would require technological innovation, energy efficiency and sustainable financing models to ensure the long-term viability of water infrastructure projects.
The prime minister also highlighted the role of digital technologies, including smart monitoring systems, automated controls and data analytics, in reducing water losses, improving utility management and strengthening operational efficiency.
He added that integrating water and energy systems could lower operating costs, improve resource utilisation and promote environmental sustainability.
Madbouly further called for greater investment in local manufacturing to reduce dependence on imported equipment and strengthen Egypt’s domestic industrial capacity.
According to him, expanding local production of water treatment, sanitation and desalination technologies would create jobs, improve supply chain resilience and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian industries.
He said the government would support technology transfer, research, workforce development and engineering expertise while encouraging compliance with international quality standards.
The prime minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate and increasing private-sector participation in financing, developing and operating infrastructure projects.
He said partnerships between Egyptian and international companies could attract long-term capital, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen domestic production, while creating opportunities for Egyptian manufacturers to expand into regional and African markets.
