Egypt signed a €53.8m concessional financing and grant agreement with the French Development Agency and the European Investment Bank to support its Sustainable Green Industries programme. The initiative promotes greener industrial production and reduces emissions. The programme was launched at a high-level workshop attended by government officials and international partners.
On November 23, 2025, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat signed the financing agreement with French Ambassador Eric Chevallier and AFD Vice President Jérôme Touran during a high-level event showcasing the programme to industrial stakeholders and international partners. The Sustainable Green Industries (GSI) programme supports greener production, emission reductions, and enhanced competitiveness.
Additionally, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency signed a separate €8.8m EU-funded technical assistance agreement managed by the EIB's regional centre, attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development Kamel Al-Wazir, Local Development Minister Manal Awad, and EU representatives.
Al-Mashat described the agreement as a significant step in development cooperation with European partners, reflecting international confidence in Egypt's transition to sustainable production models. She noted that the overall GSI financing package totals €271m, including a €30m EU grant, €135m in EIB concessional finance, and €45m from AFD.
Awad stated that the programme will help industrial facilities comply with environmental regulations, reduce pollution and carbon emissions, expand renewable energy and efficiency projects, and advance waste recycling. It also aims to improve resource efficiency, lower production costs, and boost export readiness—especially for European markets—by supporting cleaner technologies and global standards.
French Ambassador Chevallier affirmed France's and 'Team Europe's' commitment to Egypt's shift to a cleaner, more competitive industrial sector. The EIB's regional head called the initiative a reflection of Egypt's dedication to a greener and more competitive future. The EU Deputy Ambassador in Cairo stressed that tackling climate change and pollution requires collective action, confirming the EU's continued support for Egyptian industries in adopting sustainable practices.
The programme was officially launched at a workshop titled 'The Sustainable Green Industries Project to Support Egyptian Industry,' attended by senior officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and local banks. It covers over 10 sectors, including cement, fertilisers, iron and steel, aluminium, heavy industries, and chemicals. Prepared since 2022, it builds on Egypt's Industrial Pollution Control Program and aligns with national strategies on climate change, environmental sustainability, and green growth. Implemented by the Environmental Affairs Agency and the National Bank of Egypt, all funding goes to the private sector with no financial burden on the state.