Egypt’s Green Infrastructure Push Gains Momentum with EBRD PPP
Egypt’s ambition to accelerate sustainable development across critical infrastructure has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of the €10 million Egypt Project Preparation Facility (EPPF).
Championed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in partnership with Egypt’s Ministry of Finance, and supported by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, the initiative signals a renewed commitment to unlocking the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to modernise infrastructure and stimulate green growth.
The move reflects a wider regional trend: governments are increasingly turning to private capital and expertise to build resilient, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure. In Egypt, which has been rolling out substantial infrastructure reforms and major strategic projects, PPPs offer a route to scale development while balancing fiscal pressures.
Bolstering Private Investment for Green and Sustainable Growth
The EPPF aims to streamline project finance PPP delivery across Egypt, enabling public bodies to bring more bankable projects to market. By supporting both preparation and implementation phases, the facility is designed to remove bottlenecks, foster transparency, and give confidence to global investors evaluating opportunities in Egypt’s utilities, energy, and transport sectors.
Aida Sitdikova, EBRD Director for the Middle East and Africa, emphasised the initiative’s significance: “This facility represents a significant step towards mobilising private-sector investment for the delivery of green and sustainable infrastructure in Egypt. It is a clear demonstration of Egypt’s commitment to advancing PPPs, and we at the EBRD are proud to support this important initiative. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the government of Egypt and all our donor partners for their invaluable support in making this possible.”
Egypt’s infrastructure strategy is closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting climate resilience, clean energy, sustainable cities, and inclusive economic development.
A Milestone Backed by Global Partners
The launch ceremony gathered senior officials including EBRD Managing Director Mark Davis, Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, and Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat. The agreement, originally signed earlier in the year in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, marks a key milestone in Egypt’s cooperation with global financial institutions.
Beyond the EBRD and Egyptian government, support for the facility comes from the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands and Spain under the High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action (HIPCA). This coalition underscores a growing international consensus on the importance of climate-forward development and private-sector collaboration.
Egypt’s Rapid Infrastructure Transformation
Egypt has been pursuing large-scale infrastructure programmes, from smart cities and modern highways to renewable power plants and transport upgrades. As a founding member of the EBRD, the country has benefited from continued institutional support, with over €13.5 billion invested across 206 projects since 2012.
Recent flagship programmes include the Benban Solar Park in Aswan, one of the world’s largest solar complexes, and the ongoing development of the New Administrative Capital, which incorporates smart city technologies and sustainable infrastructure principles. Meanwhile, reforms aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for PPPs and boosting investor confidence are paving the way for broader participation from global developers and financiers.
Levelling Up Egypt’s Investment Ecosystem
The EPPF’s timing could not be more strategic. With global investment flows increasingly prioritising sustainable assets and climate resilience, Egypt’s ability to offer well-structured, transparent, and bankable projects gives it a competitive edge. Crucially, the facility seeks to:
- Build a pipeline of credible PPP projects
- Enhance technical and institutional capacity
- Reduce delivery risks and delays
- Strengthen investor confidence
- Advance environmental and social governance standards
PPP delivery in emerging economies can be complex, particularly where regulatory frameworks are evolving. However, Egypt’s recent reforms, including the establishment of dedicated PPP units and issuance of new policy guidelines, are positioning the country as a competitive destination for sustainable infrastructure investment.
Aligning Financing with Climate Action Priorities
The project’s alignment with climate action sits at its core. Donor support through HIPCA’s members, including Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, TaiwanICDF, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reinforces global confidence in Egypt’s transition pathway.
The partnership demonstrates the international development community’s belief in blended finance models as an effective tool for accelerating climate-aligned investment, particularly in regions with strong growth potential.
Collaboration and Innovation
Egypt’s infrastructure roadmap is bold, and the ambitions behind the EPPF make clear the country’s readiness to collaborate, innovate, and welcome global private-sector participation. As demand grows for greener cities, modern transport, and sustainable utilities, well-executed PPPs will play a vital role in delivering high-impact projects that improve quality of life and drive lasting economic progress.
By combining strong domestic policy leadership, strategic international partnerships, and targeted financial support, Egypt is creating fertile ground for responsible investment and sustainable development.
Creating Opportunity for a Resilient Future
The launch of the EPPF marks more than a new financing instrument. It reflects Egypt’s determination to build resilient infrastructure, mobilise private capital responsibly, and chart a sustainable path forward.
With global collaboration, forward-looking policy, and increased investor appetite, the nation is well placed to transform its infrastructure landscape while delivering meaningful environmental, social, and economic value.
