In a decisive move to deepen international climate cooperation, the British Embassy in Cairo has officially launched the “Green Growth” campaign — a transformative initiative aimed at accelerating Egypt’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. This latest milestone in UK-Egypt climate diplomacy comes amid a broader wave of ambitious green investment and policy momentum both domestically and internationally.
The campaign was inaugurated at a high-level event attended by Egypt’s Minister of Investment, Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, alongside top representatives from the Financial Regulatory Authority, the General Authority for Investment, the Federation of Egyptian Industries, and the Ministries of Finance and International Cooperation. Running through to COP30 in November 2025, the initiative sets out three strategic objectives:
- Reinforcing Egypt’s leadership on global climate action
- Opening new trade and investment partnerships with UK businesses
- Deepening cooperation on Egypt’s green transition
Historic Green Energy Investment Surge
Coinciding with the launch, British International Investment (BII) — the UK’s development finance institution — announced $305 million in new financing to support Egypt’s renewable energy infrastructure. These investments mark a significant escalation in the UK’s green finance presence in the region and reinforce Egypt’s status as a central player in the global energy transition.
On June 16, BII confirmed its participation in what will become Africa’s largest onshore wind farm — a 1.1 GW project in the Suez region. BII will contribute nearly $190 million to this project, which is backed by a global alliance of development lenders. The wind farm is expected to dramatically reduce Egypt’s dependency on natural gas while creating green jobs and lowering emissions.
A day prior, BII also pledged $115 million as part of a $479 million funding package for Obelisk Solar Power. This project will develop Egypt’s first utility-scale solar + battery storage plant in Nag Hammadi. Once operational in 2026, the 1.1 GW solar installation will include 200 MWh of energy storage, providing stable, clean electricity and strengthening Egypt’s energy resilience.
Green Growth: Beyond Energy
The “Green Growth” campaign extends far beyond megawatts and infrastructure. It aims to strengthen Egypt’s regulatory frameworks, share the UK’s world-leading expertise in carbon markets and environmental policy, and expand cooperation in sectors such as water security, food systems, and climate adaptation.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch, British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley emphasized its strategic depth, as “The Green Growth campaign reflects our shared ambition to lead on climate action, drive sustainable investment, and build a greener, more resilient future. It not only strengthens UK-Egypt climate goals but also creates new opportunities for innovation, cooperation, and prosperity.”
Sherine Shahdy, BII’s Egypt Country Director, echoed this sentiment, stating that “Investments in the Obelisk and Suez projects are pivotal steps toward clean energy in Egypt. These projects will not only generate power but stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and deliver reliable energy for communities.”
Building on a Legacy of Climate Partnership
This next phase of UK-Egypt cooperation builds on the strong foundations laid during COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, which marked a turning point in bilateral climate diplomacy. Since COP26, the UK has committed over $250 million to Egypt in technical assistance, infrastructure development, and climate-focused financial tools.
The countries are now working toward securing an additional $500 million in green investments over the next six months. This complements more than $1 billion already invested by the UK government and private sector into Egypt’s renewable energy sector — a clear endorsement of Egypt’s green potential.
Looking Ahead to COP30
As the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil this November, the “Green Growth” campaign will serve as a dynamic platform for continued collaboration. With a dual focus on policy development and real-world investment, it positions Egypt and the UK as co-leaders in shaping the future of global climate action.
