Egypt, France, and the European Union have signed nine financing and grant agreements worth €262.3 million to support a range of priority projects in water treatment, sanitation, renewable energy, and railways.
The agreements were finalised during the state visit of H.E. President Emmanuel Macron of France to Egypt and the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement with H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
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Strengthening Egyptian-French relations
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, signed two agreements with the French side, witnessed by Presidents El-Sisi and Macron. The agreements included a joint declaration to renew technical and financial cooperation for priority projects and a declaration to implement four new projects.
Al-Mashat stated, “Today we are witnessing a pivotal development in Egyptian-French relations with the signing of the joint declaration by the leaders of both countries to elevate the relations to the level of a strategic partnership.”
She also noted that the Ministry would consult with French authorities to select new priority projects, directing funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) towards sustainable infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and human development sectors.
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Key projects under the agreements
Regional control centre project in Alexandria
Two agreements were signed for the Regional Control Centre Project in Alexandria. The project will receive €50 million in financing from AFD and a €10 million grant from the European Union.
It aims to provide stable, high-quality electricity to Alexandria residents and modernise the city’s electricity grid. The project supports Egypt’s efforts to integrate renewable energy sources and meet rising energy demands.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Rémy Riou, Director General of AFD.
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New wastewater treatment plant project in East Alexandria
Financing and grant agreements were signed for a new wastewater treatment plant in East Alexandria, with €68 million from AFD and a €2 million EU grant.
The project is designed to improve wastewater services and meet the demands of new urban developments. Upon completion of the first phase by 2032, it is expected to serve around 1.5 million people.
Signatories included H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, H.E. Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, and Mr. Rémy Riou.
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Robiki / 10th of Ramadan / Belbeis railway line project
The railway line project connecting Robiki, 10th of Ramadan City, and Belbeis received €70 million in financing from AFD and an €800,000 grant.
The project aims to improve the movement of goods between dry ports and seaports, reducing transport costs and travel times. It is expected to boost competitiveness for local producers and create new job opportunities.
The agreements were signed by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Mr. Mohamed Amer, Chairman of the National Railways Authority, H.E. Mr. Eric Lombard, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, and Mr. Rémy Riou.
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Al-Gabal Al-Asfar wastewater treatment plant project
The Al-Gabal Al-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant will be expanded with €50 million financing from AFD, a €1.5 million grant from AFD, and a €10 million EU grant.
The project aims to increase the plant’s treatment capacity to meet the growing demand for water and sanitation services.
The agreements were signed by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, H.E. Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, H.E. Mr. Eric Lombard, Mr. Rémy Riou, and Mr. Ahmed Abdelkader, with the signing witnessed by EU Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Angelina Eichhorst.
Moving forward
Al-Mashat highlighted that the deepening of Egyptian-French ties also reflects broader progress in Egypt-European relations.
The projects, covering key sectors of national development, demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to sustainable growth and regional partnerships, laying foundations for future cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
