Egypt considers drinking water a matter of national security and is working to strengthen the sector’s legislative and institutional framework while balancing service quality, sustainability and social equity, Deputy Housing Minister for Utilities Ahmed Omran said on Monday.
Omran, speaking on behalf of Housing Minister Randa El-Menshawy, made the remarks as he opened the second Arab-African Exhibition and Conference for Investment in Water and Energy in Cairo. The three-day event, running from September 14 to 16, is being held under the theme “Sustainable Water – Renewable Energy – Promising Investment.”
He highlighted Egypt’s national strategy for the water and sanitation sector, as well as 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 per cent in 2026, while actual water production capacity stood at 31.7 million cubic metres per day, Omran said. Combined urban and rural wastewater coverage reached 70 per cent.
Seawater desalination capacity has also reached nearly 2.1 million cubic metres per day, while Egypt has 621 operating wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 19 million cubic metres per day, he added.
Omran reaffirmed the government’s support for local manufacturing, particularly electromechanical equipment used in water and wastewater facilities. He called on Egyptian, Arab and African investors to explore partnerships in desalination, wastewater treatment and water reuse.
The exhibition and conference brings together government agencies, private-sector companies and research institutions involved in drinking water and wastewater services. It forms part of the Housing Ministry’s efforts to localise industry and expand partnerships with Egyptian and international companies.
Omran also met Arab, African and international diplomats and business representatives to discuss co-operation, exchange expertise and explore opportunities to benefit from Egypt’s experience in developing water infrastructure projects.
