Egypt has renewed its call for deeper cooperation among Nile Basin countries and warned against unilateral measures that could heighten tensions or fragment regional unity.
In his remarks at the 33rd meeting of the Nile Basin Council of Water Ministers, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said the challenges facing the basin “cannot be resolved through unilateral steps, but only through genuine cooperation and the sustainable management of shared water resources in line with international law—particularly the principle of ‘no harm’.”
Sewilam stressed that Egypt does not oppose the developmental ambitions of any basin country, affirming that Cairo “actively supports sustainable development that causes no harm.” He pointed to the successful cooperation model within the Southern Nile Basin (Equatorial Plateau), where 36 projects were initially approved under the Nile Basin Investment Program after thorough impact assessments for downstream nations and compliance with agreed standards.
The minister said Egypt hopes to replicate this success in the Eastern Nile Basin (Ethiopian Plateau), highlighting the importance of transparency and rigorous technical studies when implementing projects with potential cross-border effects.
Sewilam noted that Egypt has supported multiple initiatives across the basin in recent years, most recently giving formal approval for two projects in Uganda and Tanzania—illustrating Cairo’s adherence to the principles of prior notification and consultation.
As Egypt assumes the presidency of the Africa Water Facility for 2025–2027, Sewilam said Cairo will work with basin states to accelerate seven key water supply and sanitation projects listed under the Nile Basin Investment Program, while mobilizing required financing with development partners.
Reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), the minister described it as “the unified and effective platform that brings together all our countries and enables us to achieve the optimal use of the Nile’s resources.”
“Together, we move stronger; divided, we become weaker,” he said. “Let us move collectively toward a sustainable and prosperous future for all Nile Basin peoples.”
Sewilam welcomed what he called the “wise” decision of NBI ministers in Uganda in November 2024 to launch a consultative process addressing the concerns of the four countries that have not joined or ratified the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). He praised the constructive engagement of the ministerial committee overseeing the consultations and expressed hope the process will continue in its current form, helping restore inclusive cooperation and paving the way for Egypt’s return to full NBI membership.
He also urged development partners and international institutions with expertise in transboundary water management to support the consultative process both technically and financially—while refraining from backing any actions that could deepen divisions among Nile Basin states.
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