Egypt and Ivory Coast are expanding their collaboration in water management. Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam emphasized the need for joint coordination to highlight the challenges African nations face due to climate change’s impact on water resources.
Egypt considers water security an existential issue, suffering from a 55% water deficit. The country relies almost entirely on the Nile River for its water supply, receiving 55.5 billion cubic meters annually. With per capita water availability at just 500 cubic meters per year, Egypt falls below the global water poverty line, according to the Ministry of Irrigation.
On Friday, Sewilam met with Ivory Coast’s ambassador to Egypt, Albert Dole, to discuss opportunities for mutual cooperation. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, particularly during its presidency of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW).
During the meeting, both sides agreed to conduct exchange visits between experts to explore water management projects and share knowledge. Key areas of cooperation include early warning systems for floods, groundwater management, rainwater harvesting, shoreline protection, and digital water management technologies.
To address its water deficit, Egypt has launched a long-term water management strategy extending to 2037, with an estimated $50 million investment. This includes constructing seawater desalination plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and modernizing agricultural irrigation.
Sewilam noted that Egypt and Ivory Coast share similar water challenges, including population growth, urban expansion, and climate change, underscoring the importance of cooperation in resource management and climate adaptation.
Egypt has recently reiterated its firm stance against any infringement on its Nile water rights, warning of the risks posed by Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), which was constructed without consultation with downstream nations. Cairo views Ethiopia’s unilateral actions as a violation of international law.
