In a landmark move toward climate-conscious urban development, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the Egyptian government, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform Cairo into a green and resilient city. The initiative marks a pivotal chapter in Egypt’s sustainable development strategy, under the country’s ongoing collaboration with the EBRD for the 2022–2027 period.
The “Green Cairo” initiative falls within the framework of the EBRD’s flagship Green Cities Program, and is part of the bank’s broader country strategy in Egypt, aimed at supporting low-carbon, climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Urban Transformation
The action plan for Cairo includes 13 projects spanning key sectors such as sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, waste management, water resource optimization, and industrial modernization. Among the marquee projects are:
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A dedicated electric bus terminal in Badr City,
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Redevelopment of residential neighborhoods in Helwan,
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Construction and demolition waste recycling facilities,
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Energy efficiency upgrades in municipal buildings,
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Solid waste management systems,
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Measures to curb private car usage and promote public transit.
These efforts aim to position Cairo as a model of green transformation in the MENA region, aligning with global efforts to meet climate adaptation targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
National Vision: Green Growth and Global Partnerships
Speaking on the initiative, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development and EBRD Governor Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the program reflects the country’s deepening cooperation with international financial institutions. She noted that it directly supports Egypt’s National Climate Change Strategy 2050 and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s progress in green financing and policy reform, referencing the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects and the NWFE (“Nouwafi”) platform, which streamlines public-private investment in climate-focused projects. These initiatives are designed to scale up renewable energy, enhance resource efficiency, and attract global investment.
“Cairo’s Green City Action Plan is more than an environmental strategy — it’s a roadmap for long-term development that balances economic growth with climate resilience,” Al-Mashat said.
Green Investment Targets on the Rise
The plan comes as Egypt aims to raise the share of green projects in public investment to 55% in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, up from 50% in 2024/2025 — a significant milestone in national planning. Cairo now becomes the third Egyptian city to join the EBRD’s Green Cities Program, following Alexandria and 6th of October City.
Since its launch in 2016, the EBRD’s Green Cities Program has expanded to 50 cities globally, supporting urban areas in identifying their most pressing environmental challenges and crafting customized solutions backed by investment and policy tools.
International Collaboration: A Cornerstone of Egypt’s Green Agenda
Dr. Al-Mashat underscored the importance of international cooperation, noting that successful climate action hinges on synergies between governments, private sector players, civil society, and multilateral institutions. She called Egypt’s model a “regional blueprint” for integrating sustainability into national development frameworks.
“We view international partnerships not as optional, but essential to unlocking green finance, accelerating technology transfer, and building climate resilience at scale,” she said.
The Cairo Green Cities initiative reaffirms Egypt’s growing leadership in sustainable development across the Global South.
