Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended on Monday the opening of the fifth International Exhibition and Conference for Water, Wastewater, Desalination, and Waste Treatment and Recycling Technology (IWWI 2026), held from October 26 to 28 at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Nasr City.
The event brought together ministers, governors, heads of authorities, officials, international organisations, experts and specialised companies from Egypt and abroad, providing a platform to showcase innovative technologies and strengthen cooperation across the water sector.
Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities Engineer Randa El-Menshawy stressed that the exhibition and conference facilitate the exchange of expertise and present the latest solutions in drinking water, sanitation, desalination and treatment.
With 61 national and international companies participating, the event promotes investment, partnerships and the development of infrastructure and services.
The minister highlighted the sector’s legislative and institutional progress, particularly Drinking Water and Sanitation Utilities Regulation Law No. 172 of 2025, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework defining responsibilities, safeguarding consumer rights, ensuring service quality and sustainability, and balancing economic efficiency with social considerations while encouraging private-sector investment.
She noted that over the past 12 years, Egypt has prioritised expanding water and sanitation coverage, improving operational efficiency and asset management, and maximising investment returns to enhance citizens’ quality of life and support sustainable development.
Regarding water security, the minister outlined the State’s integrated strategy to diversify water resources and increase seawater desalination capacity to approximately 10 million cubic metres per day by 2050.
She also underscored private-sector cooperation, domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, stronger supply chains, reduced import dependence and job creation.
The programme featured addresses by Expotech International Chief Executive Officer Frank Hoffmann, German Water Partnership Chief Executive Officer Brice Grivet-Nider, and European Union committee representative Felix Meyer-Horn.
Held under the ministry’s auspices, IWWI 2026 showcases equipment and technical solutions, encourages industrial partnerships, and supports the localisation of electromechanical equipment and water technologies.
Its accompanying conference brings together Egyptian and international specialists to examine emerging trends, sector challenges and innovative solutions advancing water security and sustainable development.
