Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly conducted an inspection of tree-planting and agricultural projects in Cairo on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The project is part of a nationwide greening initiative to turn empty plots into gardens and green spaces. Madbouly was accompanied by Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad and Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber. The initiative aims to upgrade the urban environment and enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities nationwide.
The greening initiative follows directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to put vacant, unused land to use as parks and green spaces. Madbouly explained that authorities are monitoring the practical steps needed to extend greenery along major roads, junctions, medians, and city entrances. The goal is to increase the per capita share of green space and improve quality of life. The project will be extended to other governorates as well.
During the inspection, Madbouly visited tree-planting work under the Ibrahim El-Orabi Bridge, the Athar El-Nabi Bridge area, and the zone beneath the Civilizations Axis. He reviewed progress under the governorate's implementation plan. Cairo Governor Saber briefed Madbouly on the governorate's strategy for executing the president's greening vision. The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: raising public awareness about protecting green spaces and stepping up tree-planting efforts.
Governor Saber reported that over 3,000 trees and roughly 700,000 shrubs and smaller plants have already been placed along major roads and on vacant lots. The governorate brought in specialized afforestation consultants to help choose tree varieties well-suited to Egypt's climate. The goal is to plant a million trees, shrubs, and plants over the coming year, including 60,000 trees.
Cairo's target is to plant at least 1,500 trees in each district, depending on its size and how much plantable land it has. Additionally, 800,000 shrubs and plants will be planted. Each district will develop its own distinct "plant identity," with species chosen to match the character of the area. This approach aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city's neighborhoods.
Earlier this month, Madbouly ordered the launch of the "Greening Cairo" project. This project is part of a series of measures by Egyptian authorities to expand green spaces. The measures follow public controversy over the cutting down of trees to make way for road and urban development projects. In mid-September, Madbouly ordered governors to enforce a nationwide ban on felling trees without prior approval.
The greening initiative has already led to some positive outcomes. In Alexandria, security authorities recently arrested several people accused of felling large trees to steal and sell the timber for financial gain. The initiative aims to boost the amount of green space available per resident and enhance overall quality of life.
Key points
- The Egyptian government aims to increase green space per capita and enhance the urban environment through a nationwide greening initiative.
- Cairo targets planting a million trees, shrubs, and plants over the coming year, including 60,000 trees.
- The initiative follows public controversy over the cutting down of trees to make way for road and urban development projects.
