Over the last few years, the relationships have developed towards a government to government partnership that creates an even more sustainable form of cooperation. This includes a greater involvement of the private sector, knowledge institutes and NGOs. Egypt has a clear interest in Dutch water expertise and technology, which are considered as state-of-the-art. The Netherlands, on the other hand, is increasingly interested in Egyptian experiences with challenges such as drought and saline farming.
This high-level cooperation has been reaffirmed by the signing of two subsequent Memoranda of Understanding (MoU’s). The most recent MoU was signed in November 2020 and reconfirms a strong focus on three main topics: wastewater and sanitation, integrated coastal zone management, and water and agriculture. As both Egypt and the Netherlands are increasingly facing the severe effects of climate change in their river delta regions, the new MoU also offers extra focus on climate adaptation.
Water and sanitation are high on the Egyptian government’s agenda. It is likely that public investment in this sector will increase to meet the high consumption-driven demand. In addition, private sector investments are also expected to increase. These investments provide great opportunities for the Dutch water sector in Egypt. Areas of interest for the Dutch water sector are water and agriculture, integrated water management, coastal zone management, waste water treatment, drinking water and sanitation, and water governance. As expressed in the recent MoU, there is also growing demand for cooperation on new themes such as climate adaptation.
The Egyptian-Dutch Advisory Panel on Water Management was incorporated in the International Water Ambition’s (IWA) delta countries approach. With the support of the Partners for Water 2016-2021 programme, NWP acts as the Secretariat for the panel. In addition, NWP coordinates the Partners for Water Country Platform. This platform unites Dutch organisations with activities in Egypt and stimulates collaboration on water between the Netherlands and Egypt.
Anyone involved in water projects in Egypt or interested to develop water related activities, is invited to join the Platform.
Find out more by contacting Sabrina Kraaijenbrink-Doetjes.
Sabrina Kraaijenbrink-Doetjes
Project Officer - MENA region, Water & Conflict
T. +31 70 304 3763
E. s.doetjes@nwp.nl