Cairo: Deputy Housing Minister for Utilities Ahmed Omran Ahmed, representing Housing and Utilities Minister Randa El-Menshawy, inaugurated the second Arab-African Exhibition and Conference for Investment in Water and Energy. The event is taking place in Cairo from September 14 to 16 with the theme 'Sustainable Water - Renewable Energy - Promising Investment.'
According to State Information Service Egypt, the exhibition gathers government agencies, private companies, and research institutions involved in drinking water and wastewater services. This initiative is part of the Housing Ministry's strategy to localize industry and enhance collaborations with both Egyptian and international corporations.
Omran emphasized the importance of drinking water as a national security priority for Egypt. He noted the country's efforts to enhance the legislative and institutional framework to ensure service quality, sustainability, and social equity in the water sector.
He also discussed the national strategy for water and sanitation, highlighting the creation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit to develop projects and attract investments, especially in desalination, water reuse, and associated industries.
In 2026, Egypt achieved 99% nationwide drinking water coverage, with a water production capacity of 31.7 million cubic meters daily. Urban and rural wastewater coverage reached 70%, according to Omran. Additionally, seawater desalination capacity has reached nearly 2.1 million cubic meters per day, supported by 621 operational wastewater treatment plants with a total capacity of 19 million cubic meters per day.
Omran reiterated the government's commitment to supporting local manufacturing, particularly for electromechanical equipment in water and wastewater facilities. He encouraged Egyptian, Arab, and African investors to consider partnerships in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse sectors.
He also held discussions with Arab, African, and international diplomats and business representatives to explore cooperation, knowledge exchange, and leveraging Egypt's expertise in advancing water infrastructure projects.