Egypt, WB Discuss Ways to Combat Air Pollution

Egypt's Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, held a meeting, on Jan. 30, with representatives of the World Bank, via video conference, to discuss the current situation of the air pollution and climate change management project in Cairo, which is being implemented by the Egyptian government in cooperation with the Bank.

During the meeting, Fouad hailed the Bank's continuous support to the Ministry of Environment, especially during the preparation period and through the COP27 Conference, and the support for the Waste Management Initiative for Africa 50 by 2050.

In turn, the representatives of the World Bank confirmed their keenness to secure the necessary support in the basic aspects of facing challenges, identifying areas of progress and requirements for moving forward through teamwork.

Since 2019, Egypt has invested in public infrastructure, such as Cairo’s Metro Line 3 and its extension, reducing the number of cars on the city’s roads by 13% and bringing annual average PM10 levels in Greater Cairo down by over 3% in 2017.

Reductions in government fuel subsidies—slashed under Egypt’s homegrown 2016-19 reform program supported by the World Bank/IMF 2016–19 —are estimated to have decreased the number of cars on Cairo’s roads by up to 14%, cutting PM concentrations by 4% by 2019 compared to 2016.

Egypt’s sustainable transport program also includes promoting non-motorized transport, improving freight energy efficiency, and strengthening institutional capacity.

The Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project involves cross-sector engagement by the government departments responsible for solid waste removal, public transport, and public health. Financed by the World Bank, it includes the purchase of about 100 battery electric buses (e-buses) by the Ministry of Environment, which will work with its Environmental Affairs Agency, Cairo Governorate, and the Cairo Transport Authority, among others, to implement the project.