The second follow-up report of the NWFI program, launched by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, provides important updates on the sustainable transport sector and the ongoing developments within the “NWFI+” program. This program is central to Egypt’s efforts to expand environmentally friendly transport solutions as part of the country’s broader climate goals.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, reiterated the program’s importance in realizing Egypt’s vision for a green and sustainable transport network that integrates seamlessly with national efforts on climate action, food security, agricultural productivity, and renewable energy projects. She emphasized that the transport sector remains a top priority in Egypt’s development plan, crucial not only for driving economic growth but also for supporting Egypt’s ambition to become a logistics hub for global trade.
Overview of the NWFI+ Program and Sustainable Transport Initiatives
The NWFI+ program was launched in November 2022 through a partnership between the Ministry of Transport, European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. It focuses on several key sustainable transport projects designed to support the transition to green transport solutions. The program aims to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing mobility across Egypt.
The program includes high-impact projects such as the extension of Cairo’s first metro line to Shibin El-Kom, the electrification of the Alexandria Abou Qir railway line, the creation of a new railway line from Robiki to the 10th of Ramadan and Belbeis, and the Tanta-Mansoura-Damietta railway development.
Additionally, the Shibin Dam-Quillin-Damnhour railway line was added to the list of future projects in 2024, while the Abou Qir Metro project was divided into two phases due to its size and complexity.
Key Achievements in 2024
The follow-up report highlights several significant milestones achieved in 2024, including the signing of the financing agreement for the Robiki-10th of Ramadan-Belbeis railway line project with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These partners are collectively funding the project, with support also coming from the European Investment Bank.
In addition to this, a technical mission from the European Investment Bank visited Cairo to discuss the future direction of the projects under the NWFI+ program. The mission met with officials from the Ministry of Transport, development partners, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to coordinate the implementation of these major projects.
The report also reveals that the European Investment Bank and other European development partners have committed €3 million in technical support for preparing feasibility studies for several ongoing and planned projects, including the extension of Cairo’s metro, the electrification of the Alexandria Abou Qir line, and the Shibin-Damnhour railway upgrade.
Funding and Support for Feasibility Studies
The report underlined that the European Investment Bank and EBRD are jointly funding preliminary studies and feasibility studies for the three major projects, alongside continued progress on the Tanta-Mansoura-Damietta railway project. The ministry has also been exploring additional funding sources for technical and environmental studies necessary before the start of the construction phase.
The focus remains on ensuring that these projects align with environmental sustainability criteria and integrate into Egypt’s broader green energy and climate change mitigation strategies.
Future Plans and Continued Development
Looking ahead, the report outlines the priorities for 2025. The main focus will be on completing the necessary studies and preparations for the upcoming projects, ensuring that these projects meet environmental standards and have a positive impact on the economy. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development also plans to explore additional sources of funding for the preparation and implementation phases.
An essential part of the future strategy involves encouraging private sector participation, given the pivotal role that the private sector plays in the execution and financing of such large-scale projects. The government also intends to continue its engagement with international development partners and stakeholders to ensure that these projects are executed efficiently and in line with the nation’s green transport goals.
Conclusion
The NWFI+ program represents a significant step toward achieving Egypt’s sustainable development goals, specifically in the area of transport. The progress made in 2024 demonstrates the country’s commitment to building a greener, more efficient transportation network. With international support and strategic collaboration across various sectors, Egypt is well on its way to transforming its transportation infrastructure into one that serves both environmental and economic priorities.
These developments highlight Egypt’s ongoing efforts to create a sustainable, green economy while fostering innovation and growth across critical sectors such as transportation, energy, and infrastructure.
This version uses the correct NWFI acronym, and includes updates on Egypt’s sustainable transport initiatives. Let me know if you need further revisions!
