Egypt’s Transport Minister Kamel el Wazir said Monday that the navigational line between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea (VICMED) is meant to achieve optimal use of Africa’s large natural resources and riches, thus contributing to increased development rates and domestic products of countries in the continent.
Developing transport infrastructure is key to achieving the aspired renaissance in Africa, Wazir said during a ministerial meeting, the first, to discuss a feasibility study for the second phase of the VICMED project.
The navigational line should also serve as a vital transport artery to help enhance trade among Nile Basin countries, he noted.
This venture is important, the minister said, pointing out that it would help achieve regional integration and would contribute to implementing the Africa 2063 infrastructure agenda.
The navigational line links Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea through the Nile River, which, according to Wazir, means saving more fuel and reducing costs that would have otherwise gone to road maintenance. He added that the line would also help ease congestion and reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.
New markets should be opened for investment, Wazir said as he counted the positive aspects of the project at the economic, environmental and social levels.
The line comes as part of a presidential initiative that aims to empower navigation along the Nile River from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea, thus allowing riparian countries to reach the Mediterranean Sea, the minister made it clear.
It is considered the shortest way connecting Nile Basin and landlocked states in the continent, Wazir noted.
Egypt is coordinating efforts with development partners at the AU to finance the second phase of the project ahead of implementation, he said.
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