Egypt’s Ministry of Irrigation to establish consulting firm to support ‘Water System 2.0’

CAIRO – 22 January 2026: Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, held a meeting with His Excellency Professor Dr. Sherif Mohammadi, Head of the National Water Research Center, to review the Center’s ongoing research activities and discuss proposals to enhance its role in supporting the objectives of the second-generation water system (Water System 2.0).

During the meeting, a proposal was discussed to establish a specialized consulting and logistics company affiliated with the Center. The proposed company would provide innovative technical support aligned with the requirements of Water System 2.0, contributing to improved efficiency in the implementation of major water projects. It is also envisioned as a model for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the water sector, potentially serving as a foundation for similar initiatives in the future.

Dr. Sweilem directed that several key considerations be incorporated into the proposal to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness. These include conducting a comprehensive financial feasibility study through a specialized firm to optimize the Center’s financial resources; preparing an in-depth technical assessment of local market demand for the company’s services in the water, environmental, and logistics sectors; and establishing a clear governance framework defining the roles and relationships among the Ministry, the Center, and the company. This framework should ensure coordination, prevent duplication of efforts, and clearly define mechanisms for the exchange of technical data.

The Minister emphasized that the National Water Research Center serves as the Ministry’s research arm and a cornerstone of innovation. He underscored the importance of aligning all of the Center’s activities with the Ministry’s strategic priorities and focusing on applied research that delivers practical solutions to water-related challenges. Dr. Sweilem reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for strengthening the Center’s research and human-resource capacities, addressing the shortage of young researchers, and expanding applied research efforts in support of sustainable development goals.