Egypt opens the 2nd Arab-African Exhibition in Water and Energy

Deputy Housing Minister for Utilities Ahmed Omran Ahmed, on behalf of Housing and Utilities Minister Randa al-Menshawy, opened Monday, September 14, 2026,  the second Arab-African Exhibition and Conference for Investment in Water and Energy, held in Cairo from September 14 to 16 under the theme “Sustainable Water – Renewable Energy – Promising Investment.”

The event brings together government agencies, private-sector companies and research institutions working in drinking water and wastewater services, as part of the Housing Ministry’s efforts to localize industry and expand partnerships with Egyptian and international companies.

Omran said Egypt considers drinking water a matter of national security and has strengthened the sector’s legislative and institutional framework to balance service quality, sustainability and social equity.

He highlighted the national strategy for the water and sanitation sector and the establishment of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit to prepare projects and attract investment, particularly in desalination, water reuse and related industries.

Drinking water coverage nationwide reached 99% in 2026, with actual water production capacity at 31.7 million cubic meters per day, while combined urban and rural wastewater coverage reached 70%, Omran said.

He added that seawater desalination capacity has reached nearly 2.1 million cubic meters per day, while the country has 621 operating wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 19 million cubic meters per day.

Omran reaffirmed the government’s support for local manufacturing, particularly electromechanical equipment used in water and wastewater facilities, and called on Egyptian, Arab and African investors to explore partnerships in desalination, wastewater treatment and water reuse.

He also met with Arab, African and international diplomats and business representatives to discuss cooperation, knowledge exchange and opportunities to benefit from Egypt’s experience in developing water infrastructure projects.