Cairo: Egypt's Minister of Housing Sherif El-Sherbiny met with a European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation to review ongoing water and wastewater projects and explore new investment opportunities. The meeting took place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and aimed at strengthening collaboration between Egypt and the EIB in water infrastructure development.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the delegation was led by Lionel Rapaille, EIB Director of Lending Operations in EU Neighbouring Countries. Discussions covered projects worth approximately 721 million pounds, including wastewater treatment in Fayoum, improvements to Kafr El-Sheikh water services, and the second phase of the Improved Water and Wastewater Services Programme (IWSP II) in Upper Egypt.

El-Sherbiny emphasized the ministry's support for implementing agencies and the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships. Rapaille acknowledged the ministry's support and expressed EIB's commitment to continue financing projects aligned with national priorities.

The EIB delegation indicated the bank's readiness to collaborate with Egypt's Ministry of Housing on several initiatives. These include financing small-scale desalination plants, conducting studies to reduce water losses in networks across two governorates planned for seawater desalination, and implementing wastewater projects under a Results-Based Lending model.

The meeting also focused on organizing joint workshops and establishing coordination mechanisms to expand cooperation, enhance project delivery, and support Egypt's sustainable development goals.