Egypt, Rwanda Explore Joint Water Projects, Capacity Building

(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) Egypt and Rwanda discussed expanding cooperation in water resources, including rainwater harvesting projects, groundwater exploration and technical capacity building, during the second meeting of the joint steering committee overseeing bilateral water cooperation.

In a statement, Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said Minister Hani Sewilam received the Rwandan delegation participating in meetings held in Cairo from May 11-14 to review progress in implementing a bilateral memorandum of understanding on water cooperation.

Sewilam also witnessed the signing of the meeting's final report by representatives from both countries, as discussions focused on advancing technical and development projects in the water sector.

The minister underscored the strong relations between Egypt and Rwanda, noting that the meetings produced a set of recommendations and a roadmap aimed at accelerating implementation of joint initiatives.

According to the statement, both sides agreed to integrate flood protection measures with rainwater harvesting dams through nature-based solutions to enhance sustainability while reducing erosion and sedimentation.

The discussions also identified four proposed sites for groundwater stations, with geophysical studies expected to begin ahead of project implementation.

Sewilam highlighted progress in capacity-building and knowledge-transfer programmes, including preparations for the first joint training programme scheduled for June 2026, alongside activities related to groundwater exploration.

He said technical cooperation between Egypt and Nile Basin countries represents a successful model of regional partnership capable of delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

The minister also referred to Egypt's recently launched $100m regional financing mechanism aimed at supporting development projects in southern Nile Basin countries.

Sewilam invited the Rwandan delegation to participate in Cairo Water Week 2026, scheduled for October under the theme:“Water as a catalyst for peace, shared prosperity and a sustainable planet.”

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