
Egypt's minister urges stronger public-private partnerships for Arab green transition
Speaking at the opening session of the Arab Sustainability Expo, held in Cairo from 18–20 May, Fouad emphasized that the gathering represented more than just a digital platform or institutional effort. 'This is a strong signal that the Arab ambition for a better future remains alive,' she said.
The event, held under the auspices of the Arab League and organized by the Sustainability Partners Coalition, convened government leaders, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to advance regional integration on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
'Sustainability is not just environmental—it also involves integrating social and economic dimensions,' Fouad noted, highlighting how rapid digitization and the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
She underscored the need to align environmental goals with economic incentives to attract private investment. Fouad cited Egypt's updated investment law, which offers targeted incentives across four key green sectors: renewable energy, green hydrogen, waste management, and alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
During a panel titled 'Effective Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,' Fouad called for reducing bureaucratic hurdles and rebranding the environment as an investment opportunity. She pointed to Egypt's renewable energy sector as a model of success, referencing the introduction of feed-in tariffs in 2015 and subsequent regulatory adjustments that have boosted private sector participation.
Fouad also detailed Egypt's progress in securing climate finance, with $470m mobilized for clean energy projects through global mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and Global Environment Facility.
To streamline green investments, the Environment Ministry has established a dedicated Environmental and Climate Investment Unit to coordinate between funding sources and stakeholders. The ministry has also launched a national climate investment platform, highlighting 62 project opportunities spanning small, medium, and large-scale initiatives in partnership with local banks.
Fouad noted that Egypt's first climate finance initiative, launched in 2019, provided technical support through the Central Bank of Egypt to train domestic banks on distinguishing between sustainable development and climate-related investments.
She added that Egypt's national climate strategy to 2050 and a corresponding 2030 action plan prioritize integrated projects across energy, water, and agriculture to enhance resilience and attract blended finance.
The Arab Sustainability Expo serves as a regional platform for showcasing innovative solutions and best practices in green technologies, environmental governance, and inclusive development. The forum includes participation from Arab ministers, major financial institutions, and leading companies from Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf.
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In the small village of Saqiyat Abu Sharah, in the Menoufia province of Egypt, the rhythmic clatter of looms once defined daily life. Known for its intricate handmade carpets, the village was a hub of artistry, its rugs coveted around the world. But today that work has slowed, replaced by the hum of machines and the whispers of an uncertain future. Atef Salah Abdel Razek, 42, owns one of the few remaining factories for handmade-carpet in Saqiyat Abu Sharah. The village, he recalls, was once synonymous with exquisite silk carpets. 'Ten or 15 years ago, every carpet produced here was made of pure silk,' Mr Abdel Razek says. 'Now, due to economic changes, particularly the currency devaluations, we've had to turn to alternative materials like cotton and synthetic blends.' Egypt, alongside Iran and Turkey, has long been a major player in the global handmade carpet market. 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This pricing disparity has shifted the industry's focus. Mr Abdel Razek says that up to 90 per cent of the village's carpets are now exported to international markets, where customers can afford such luxuries. The remaining 10 per cent are sold locally, primarily to wealthier Egyptians or tourists, at bazaars in cities such as Cairo, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh. Mr Abdel Razek's factory, like many in the village, relies heavily on international exhibitions to showcase its wares. 'The state organises regular fairs and so does the private sector,' he adds. 'These channels are essential for us. Selling directly to international buyers is rare.' But even as exports sustain the industry, the craft is in decline. In the 1970s and 1980s, Saqiyat Abu Sharah thrived as a hub for handmade carpets, a legacy that dates back centuries. 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'When I was growing up, there was a palpable sense of community,' he recalls. 'Workshops were everywhere and the craft was our main source of income.' But today rising costs and dwindling demand have driven many craftsmen out of the industry. 'In order to make money, you have to be taught as a child,' Mr Abdel Razek says. 'When you're young and dependent on your parents, you learn. Then, as an adult, you are proficient enough to earn.' But with the craft no longer considered a viable career, many young people in the village are turning to other jobs, moving to cities to work as security guards, cleaners and labourers. Mr Abdel Razek has cut his factory's operations in half because of a lack of skilled workers. For those who remain, it is not a lucrative job. 'Day workers' wages haven't increased nearly enough to offset their rising cost of living,' he admits. But the village's carpets remain highly regarded abroad, a testament to their quality and craftsmanship. 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