Cairo:Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi engaged in discussions with Namrata Thapar, Global Director for the Minerals and Mining Sector at the World Bank Group, focusing on enhancing cooperation to develop Egypt's mining sector. The talks included financing mechanisms and capacity building, with the meeting taking place during the Egypt Mining Forum 2026.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the Egyptian government aims to transform the mining sector and increase its GDP contribution from less than 1 percent to about 6 percent. This transformation will involve creating an attractive investment environment and strengthening partnerships with both the private sector and international entities, such as the World Bank Group.
Minister Badawi emphasized the need for practical steps and implementable projects, highlighting the support needed in human capacity building, technical expertise, partnerships, and infrastructure challenges. He outlined three cooperation areas: human resource development, support for value-added projects in phosphate and fertilizers, and aiding emerging mining companies in exploration and financing.
Thapar, participating as a keynote speaker at the forum, confirmed the World Bank Group's interest in providing initial financing to support Egypt's mining sector. She highlighted capacity building as a starting point for cooperation and expressed interest in connecting private-sector projects with investors to enhance growth opportunities.
The discussions also covered cooperation in preparing a minerals roadmap, assessing geological potential, and identifying development requirements. The aim is to maximize the economic benefits of Egypt's mineral resources and integrate them into global value chains. Both parties agreed on treating mining as an integrated value chain, from exploration to exports, to maximize resource value.
The ministry indicated that continued coordination is planned for identifying financing priorities, preparing project lists, supporting emerging companies, and advancing the minerals roadmap to attract more investment in the sector.