Al-Mashat, Schneider Electric Sign MoU to Advance Climate Action, Enhance Food Security through the “NWFE” Program

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Schneider Electric Egypt. This comes within the framework of strengthening private sector partnerships to support climate action and accelerate the transition toward a green economy, aligning with the pillars of the Country Platform for Green Projects, the "NWFE" Program (Nexus on Water, Food, and Energy).

The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Mr. Sebastian Riez, CEO of Schneider Electric for North East Africa and the Levant, in the presence of Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Mr. Vrej Jijyan, representing the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

According to the MoU, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2029, Schneider Electric will collaborate with relevant authorities to provide integrated solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture under the Food pillar of the NWFE program. This integrates with efforts under the "Climate Resilient Water Resources Management in the Nile Valley (CROWN)" project, aiming to accelerate climate action, support smallholder farmers, and enhance resilience against ongoing climate changes.

 Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the MoU reflects the State’s commitment to maximizing the role of developmental partnerships with the private sector and international institutions. She noted that these efforts support sustainable rural development, enhance food security, and increase the adaptive capacity of small farmers. She added that the signing is a continuation of the Ministry’s work through the NWFE country platform to create integrated efforts that maximize developmental impact for citizens in the water, food, and energy sectors.

The Minister praised the ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and various national entities to ensure effective project implementation. She also expressed appreciation for Schneider Electric’s contribution as a global leader in clean energy solutions and for IFAD as the main development partner for the Food pillar.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further stressed that agriculture is a priority sector, with the government working through Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development to maximize value-added services and empower the private sector, aiming to increase the sector's contribution to GDP to approximately 17% by 2030.

Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, thanked the partners, stating that the State is keen on private sector partnerships to boost agricultural development in line with H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives to prioritize and empower small farmers.

The CEO of Schneider Electric for North East Africa and the Levant, stated: "This partnership reflects Schneider Electric's commitment to supporting the transition toward more sustainable development models in Egypt by employing technology and innovation. We are proud to be among the first private sector participants in implementing integrated development projects within the NWFE framework." He added that the strategy focuses on accelerating the transition to clean electricity and smarter energy management to reduce emissions and achieve sustainable social and economic value.

The IFAD Country Director lauded Dr. Al-Mashat’s leadership in climate action through the NWFE platform, noting that the MoU represents a qualitative shift in food security by utilizing modern technology. He confirmed that IFAD is moving forward with NWFE projects to create positive momentum for the entire agricultural sector.

The implementation of these projects relies on advanced technological solutions in Solar Energy and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve operational efficiency and resource sustainability, particularly in sectors related to agriculture and water and energy management.

This agreement builds on other projects previously implemented by Schneider Electric in the Egyptian market, translating sustainability concepts into practical applications with tangible impact. Through its earlier initiatives, the company has focused on empowering local communities through smart solutions that enhance resource efficiency and support the water, energy, and food security sectors, in line with national development priorities.