Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad, held a meeting with representatives from UGOA to explore potential collaboration in supporting the implementation of the country’s integrated waste management system. The discussions also focused on innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at advancing both environmental and economic development. The meeting was attended by Yasser Abdullah, CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, along with senior officials.
During the meeting, Dr. Fouad listened to a presentation by UGOA on their action plan to support the Ministry’s efforts to improve the waste management system across Egypt’s governorates. The company also outlined their vision for supporting national efforts to develop infrastructure projects in waste management, ensuring sustainable resource management, and enhancing investment opportunities in the growing sector. Their support also includes offering technical consultations to factories on waste recycling and efforts to integrate the informal sector into the formal waste management system.
The Minister praised the company’s proposals and highlighted the progress made in the waste management sector over recent years. She acknowledged the challenges faced and emphasized the significant improvements since the introduction of the Waste Management Law No. 202 of 2020 and its executive regulations. This law promotes a circular economy model and encourages private sector involvement, marking a transformative shift towards safer waste management, reducing waste generation, and creating new investment opportunities. Additionally, she highlighted efforts to support recycling factories and expand the production of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF).
Dr. Fouad also addressed the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to integrate the informal sector into the formal waste management system, facilitated by a cooperation protocol between the Ministries of Environment, Labor, and Social Solidarity. This protocol aims to provide social and health insurance for workers and involve private sector companies in waste collection, transportation, and street cleaning. She mentioned that the Ministry has developed plans for waste management in 27 governorates, including operational contracts with the private sector for waste collection, transportation, recycling, and solid waste management.
The Minister also discussed the Ministry’s initiatives to reduce plastic waste, particularly single-use plastic bags, and the challenges associated with this issue at national, regional, and international levels. She highlighted the Cabinet’s approval of a draft decision to apply the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle to plastic shopping bags. The decision also includes incentives for importing and producing eco-friendly alternatives.
Representatives from UGOA thanked the Minister for the opportunity to present their proposals and efforts to enhance cooperation with the private sector in supporting Egypt’s national sustainability initiatives. They provided an overview of the company’s history and activities, noting that UGOA is an Egyptian company specializing in environmental sectors, particularly waste management and recycling.
