Cairo:Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized that enhancing water security is a strategic priority for Egypt, necessitating the expansion of non-traditional solutions. These include seawater desalination and advanced wastewater treatment and reuse, all in alignment with approved standards and regulations.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouly's remarks were part of a speech delivered on October 26, 2026, at the opening of the fifth edition of the IWWI 2026 International Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure, and Energy Exhibition and Conference. The Prime Minister welcomed participants to the event, which gathers key decision-makers, experts, investors, and representatives of both national and international companies under the theme 'Water for Tomorrow.' This theme reflects a shared goal of building a more sustainable future through responsible resource management and infrastructure development.
Madbouly noted that water, energy, and infrastructure sectors are increasingly important as they are essential for economic growth, enhancing national competitiveness, and improving quality of life. He outlined the challenges faced by these sectors, which go beyond service provision to include ensuring resource sustainability and maximizing investment returns amid limited natural water resources, increasing demand, climate change, and global economic challenges.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Egypt has invested over EGP 635 billion in the drinking water and wastewater sector over the past 12 years, expanding treatment plants and networks to meet growing demand. He stressed the need to focus on maximizing existing assets, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the technical and economic performance of utilities in the next phase.
Madbouly also pointed out that closer integration between the water and energy sectors could improve resource efficiency and reduce operating costs. He emphasized the role of digital transformation and local industry development in sustaining infrastructure projects and improving the Egyptian economy's competitiveness.
He concluded by encouraging partnerships between Egyptian and international companies to transfer knowledge, develop domestic industries, and establish long-term investments. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the IWWI 2026 conference would achieve its objectives of strengthening cooperation, expanding investment opportunities, supporting innovation, and localizing industry.