Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Suwelim, recently disclosed the volume of water resources in the Nile Basin. He stated that 2050 billion cubic meters of rainfall were recorded in the basin during 2023. However, only 84 billion cubic meters reached Egypt and Sudan, highlighting the potential for maximizing the use of unexploited water resources and achieving joint development without overburdening the Nile River.
Suwelim emphasized the importance of achieving water security through enhanced cooperation and coordination at national, regional, and international levels. He advocated for a shift from competing for limited water resources to maximizing shared benefits by linking water and clean energy. This approach aligns with the vision of "one basin, one network."
The minister participated in the third edition of the Cairo Forum, organized by the Egyptian Center for Economic Studies. The session, titled "Water as a Global Hybrid Public Good," featured discussions with Elbegdorj Tsakhia, former President of Mongolia, and Maria Elena Aguiro, Secretary General of the Club of Madrid. The session was moderated by Dr. Abela Abd El Latif, Executive Director and Research Director of the Egyptian Center for Economic Studies.
Suwelim highlighted that water is a transnational issue, and its management requires cooperation and coordination. He noted that Egypt relies on the Nile River for over 98% of its water resources, with a per capita water share of approximately 473 cubic meters per year. The minister discussed Egypt's efforts to address water scarcity and implement a comprehensive water management system, dubbed "Water 2.0," which utilizes digital tools, artificial intelligence, and modern technology.
The minister reported that Egypt has implemented a system for reusing water, with a capacity of 23.20 billion cubic meters per year. This reflects the country's commitment to sustainable water resource management and efficient use. Suwelim also mentioned that Egypt has executed development projects worth over $120 million and launched a financing initiative of $100 million to support water cooperation and development projects in Nile Basin countries.
Suwelim stressed the importance of cooperation between Nile Basin countries, citing the successful collaboration between Egypt and Sudan, which has been managed through the Permanent Technical Committee for the Nile River for over six decades. He emphasized that agreeing on common rules for managing international rivers does not undermine a country's sovereignty but rather enhances it and protects the interests of all parties involved.
The minister concluded by highlighting the potential for maximizing benefits from rainfall, groundwater, and expanded rain-fed agriculture in the Nile Basin. He reiterated that water can be a source of tension or a bridge for cooperation between countries, emphasizing Egypt's commitment to fostering cooperation and building a more interconnected future for the region.
Key points
- Egypt's Water Resources Minister Hani Suwelim emphasizes the need for cooperation and coordination to achieve water security in the Nile Basin.
- The Nile Basin received 2050 billion cubic meters of rainfall in 2023, with only 84 billion cubic meters reaching Egypt and Sudan.
- Egypt has implemented a comprehensive water management system, "Water 2.0," to optimize water resource utilization.
