Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, on Thursday, 16/4/2026, discussed with Spain’s ambassador to Egypt, Sergio Carranza, ways to enhance cooperation in water resources management, exchange know-how, and build capacity.
During the meeting, the minister hailed the distinguished relations between Egypt and Spain, affirmed the Irrigation Ministry’s keenness to expand operational prospects with the Spanish side in the water sector, and reviewed the water challenges facing Egypt, including limited water resources, population growth, and the negative impacts of climate change.
Sewilam highlighted the ministry’s adoption of innovative policies and measures to achieve optimal water management through the implementation of the second-generation water system (2.0), which relies on modern technology and supports digital transformation in water management.
The meeting reviewed the status of ongoing joint projects, including the “Development of Smart Irrigation Management Models” project, funded by a €670,000 grant from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
The minister further underscored notable progress in the project’s activities, including the selection of pilot governorates, the implementation of training programs for relevant personnel, and the launch of awareness campaigns under the “On the Right Measure” initiative.
The two sides discussed cooperation on capacity building through the regional “MASAR Now” initiative, supported by Spain, which focuses on developing capabilities, particularly in solar-powered desalination for intensive food production.
Sewilam also stressed the importance of increasing the number of Egyptian trainees in future training programs.
Regarding future cooperation, they discussed a proposal to establish an Egyptian-Spanish Advisory Council, modeled after the Egyptian-Dutch Advisory Council, to further support the strategic partnership between the two countries.
They also discussed enhancing cooperation between the ministry and Spanish private-sector companies operating in the water sector, particularly in water treatment and desalination for intensive food production.
A new cooperation proposal is being prepared with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) to address priority areas, including desalination for intensive food production, digital transformation in water management, development of monitoring systems, aquatic weed management, activation of water user associations, and training and capacity-building programs
