This came during the second consecutive meeting to review the latest progress on the NWFE initiative, one of the flagship projects launched during Egypt’s presidency of COP27.
The high-level gathering took place under the auspices of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, along with several ministers, including the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Sewilam.
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation launched the first monitoring report, which captures a year of collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders in implementing the NWFE programme across the water, food, energy, and sustainable transport sectors.
Meanwhile, the second monitoring report provides an in-depth review and monitoring of the programme’s progress and ongoing implementation. It also heavily reviews the latest developments in the food sector projects within NWFE.
Al-Mashat highlighted that the water and food sectors are among the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. These sectors are pivotal in achieving economic development and bolstering food and water security, and the programme encompasses several projects in these sectors.
What makes NWFE unique?
Al-Mashat also noted that the programme is significant for achieving the National Climate Change Strategy 2050 and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), reflecting the country’s commitment to transitioning towards a low-carbon development path.
The goal is to reach 42 percent renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 instead of 2035, as formerly stated in the NDCs plan under the Paris Agreement.
Al-Mashat highlighted that the NWFE platform integrates mitigation and adaptation projects to address climate change impacts, ensuring water, food, and energy security. It also offers innovative financing tools and fair financing mechanisms to drive green investment in Egypt.
Launched in July 2022, the NWFE platform aims to accelerate Egypt’s national climate agenda, creating opportunities to mobilize climate finance and private investments to support the country’s green transition.
The platform has undoubtedly played a vital role in integrating climate action with development efforts while facilitating the design and implementation of concrete projects to meet Egypt's National Climate Change Strategy 2050.
The event also featured a recorded speech by Mr. Alvaro Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Economic development, climate action: heads & tails
Al-Mashat described economic development and climate action as a coin’s heads and tails, emphasizing the widening gap in climate finance. Solving this issue requires additional investments of approximately $366 billion annually in developing countries.
She noted that these countries are the most affected by climate crises and successive natural disasters. The African continent alone is estimated to require around $2.7 trillion by 2030, or $400 billion annually, necessitating urgent private sector contributions to climate-related investments.
The planning minister pointed out that geopolitical tensions and economic crises exacerbate climate change's impact, calling for significantly increased financing, particularly for developing countries and climate adaptation activities.
She stressed the growing international momentum around financing development and climate action, advocating for an innovative model to overcome climate challenges at the lowest cost while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Updates on food sector projects
The report detailed the developments in the preparatory stages of the Climate Change-Adapted Water Management Project in the Nile Valley — CROWN. The Ministries of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and Water Resources and Irrigation implement this project in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The poorest regions, specifically central and southern Egypt, will receive attention. The detailed technical design report for the project's operations and components has been completed, and the financial framework for project funding has been established.
The Climate-Resilient Agricultural Transformation (CRAFT) project, implemented by the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources in collaboration with the World Bank, addresses national needs and priorities.
Efforts include modern irrigation systems in Delta Governorates (including Haya Karima villages) and a nationwide early warning system. The technical design and financial framework for the project have already been finalized.
The report also covered the Adaptation Project for the North Delta Region Affected by Rising Sea Levels. The project's geographic areas were identified based on the needs and priorities of national entities, focusing on the North Delta.
This project targets five governorates: Port Said, Damietta, Kafr El Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Beheira. The European Union (EU) allocated a 125,000-euro grant for consultancy services required for the project’s study. Additionally, the European Investment Bank allocated 300,000 euros to complete the necessary studies to assess the impact of salinity on agricultural productivity and address rising sea levels and soil salinization.
The report also highlighted the Resilience Building Project for Remote and Most Vulnerable Areas, which is implemented by the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources and Irrigation in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank. The project includes the New Valley and Giza Governorates and intends to add parts of Central Sinai.
It aims to establish integrated agricultural industrial zones in all targeted remote areas, improving the livelihoods of local populations by providing a comprehensive set of investments.
The detailed design of the project has been completed. It consists of five main components: governance and management framework for industrial and agricultural zones, economic infrastructure for agricultural and industrial development, capacity building for sustainable agricultural manufacturing, social infrastructure, and the development of small and medium enterprises and financial services access.
Al-Mashat referred to the launch of two Egyptian COP27 presidency initiatives: the "Sharm El-Sheikh Guide for Fair Financing" and the national platform — NWFE programme. The guide promotes principles of fair financing and defines the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, to stimulate developing and emerging countries' ability to attract green finance and investments.
In conclusion, Al-Mashat commended development partners, including the EBRD, AfDB, IFAD, and European Investment Bank, for supporting the Egyptian government’s climate commitments.
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