Abou El-Enein Hails Victoria-Mediterranean Waterway as a Strategic Priority for Africa and Egypt

On Monday, Egypt’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Abou El-Enein praised Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El-Wazir for his comprehensive assessment of Egypt’s industrial challenges, highlighting the significance of the Victoria-Mediterranean Waterway project.

During a parliamentary session, Abou El-Enein emphasized the project’s critical political and economic importance, calling for its swift execution to enhance Egypt’s role in Africa and deepen ties with Nile Basin countries.

The session, chaired by Parliament Speaker Dr. Hanafi Gebali, reviewed a report on Egypt’s approval of a $2 million grant from the African Development Bank. This grant will fund the second phase of feasibility studies for the Victoria-Mediterranean Waterway (VICMED), which aims to connect Lake Victoria in Central Africa to the Mediterranean Sea through the Nile River.

Abou El-Enein stressed that the project, beyond being a maritime route, is a strategic development corridor that could foster strong economic and political connections between Egypt and its African neighbors. He urged the project's rapid implementation, citing its potential to transform Egypt's regional influence.

Abou El-Enein highlighted the waterway’s importance for landlocked Nile Basin countries, including Ethiopia, which would gain access to the Mediterranean Sea and global markets via Egypt. This connection could strengthen shared interests between Egypt and these countries, enhancing regional cooperation and stability.

“This waterway isn’t just a navigational project; it’s a key to regional development and security,” Abou El-Enein said. He underscored the need for Egypt to invest further, even if it requires additional funding, due to the long-term benefits for national security and economic integration with Africa.

He also noted that the waterway would position Egypt as the leading nation capable of completing the project, boosting its economic and geopolitical presence in Africa.

Abou El-Enein called for additional projects to connect Egypt with other Nile Basin countries, including railways, roads, and energy links. He also advocated for the establishment of a Nile Basin University in Egypt to attract African students and promote educational cooperation.

He further emphasized that the Victoria-Mediterranean Waterway should be seen as part of Egypt’s broader strategy to integrate with Africa, highlighting other important projects like the Cairo-Cape Town Highway, which links Egypt with 13 African nations and serves as a modern “African Silk Road.”

Abou El-Enein also discussed the political impact of the project on Egypt's relationship with Ethiopia, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. He argued that the waterway could provide Ethiopia with an alternative maritime route, possibly encouraging a more cooperative stance on the dam issue.

“The project could create economic incentives for Ethiopia, fostering goodwill and paving the way for a binding legal agreement on the operation of the dam,” Abou El-Enein suggested, referring to the ongoing dispute over water resources between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Abou El-Enein called for swift action to secure financing and partnerships with international stakeholders, including European and American entities. He stressed that Egypt should not hesitate to provide additional self-funding if necessary, given the project's potential to enhance the country’s security and regional influence.

“This is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a strategic investment in Egypt’s future and its ties with the Nile Basin,” he said.

Abou El-Enein concluded by reaffirming the need for Egypt to deepen its involvement in African development, both economically and politically, through large-scale projects that promote mutual growth and stability.