Means to boost the partnership between Germany and the African Water Facility (AWF), and supporting water security and sustainable development projects across Africa were at the core of a major meeting between Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Swailem, who also serves as AWF Chairman and Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Co-operation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan.
The meeting was attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Germany, Mohamed El Badry, and several officials from both sides.
Minister Swailem highlighted the importance of expanding the AWF’s international partnerships and building a long-term strategic partnership with Germany, given its role as a major development partner in Africa and its contributions to the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund.
He also pointed to the expertise and capabilities whichGerman institutions enjoy, particularly the KfW Development Bank and the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ).
AWF serves as an Africa-led platform that helps bridge the gap between the water needs of African countries and communities and viable projects that can be implemented on the ground, Swailem explained.
The facility supports feasibility studies, technical designs, environmental and financial assessments, and other preparatory work needed to transform water needs into high-quality, bankable projects ready for financing and investment, he said.
He noted that said the AWF’s 2026–2030 strategy boosts its role as a leading continental platform for water project preparation and investment mobilisation.
He pointed to a clear alignment between the AWF’s strategy and Germany’s evolving development policy, particularly its focus on Africa, water security, strategic partnerships, investment mobilisation and greater private-sector participation.
For her part, Alabali-Radovan, expressed Germany’s interest in carrying out with co-operation with the African Water Facility and drawing on the expertise of KfW and GIZ, as well as German technologies and technical know-how, to support Africa’s water sector.
The two sides agreed to continue technical discussions to identify priority areas and mechanisms for future co-operation, explore support for the implementation of the AWF’s 2026–2030 strategy, and strengthen links between projects prepared by the facility and German financing, expertise and technology.
