Egypt - UK Green Growth Partnership
Egypt and the United Kingdom have launched a new Green Growth Partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in clean energy, water security, climate finance and sustainable development, as both countries seek to attract investment and accelerate their transition toward greener economies.
Key Highlights
New partnership: Egypt and the UK establish a framework for long-term cooperation on green growth
Clean energy: Agreement targets renewables, industrial decarbonization and carbon markets
Water security: Cooperation includes sustainable water management and climate adaptation
Climate finance: Both sides seek greater private-sector participation in financing green projects
UK support: British green support for Egypt exceeds $240 million
Renewable target: Egypt is targeting 42% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030
Green Partnership by the Numbers
$240M+
UK grants, investments and technical assistance supporting Egypt's green transition
$300M+
Committed by British International Investment to Egyptian projects in 2025
1.1 GW
Capacity of the Gulf of Suez wind project included among recent investments
42% BY 2030
Egypt's target for renewable energy in electricity generation
A New Framework for Green Growth
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed during a two-day visit to Cairo by British Minister Emma Hardy, who described Egypt as a key partner for the United Kingdom and emphasized London's commitment to strengthening economic and environmental cooperation.
Hardy said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and climate action, while opening opportunities for new investment, innovation and job creation in both countries.
She expressed confidence that the partnership would help build more resilient economies and strengthen cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Green Growth as Economic Policy
The partnership links climate action directly with investment, innovation and job creation, positioning green growth as an economic as well as an environmental priority.
Clean Energy, Industry and Climate Resilience
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Samar El-Ahdal and Hardy, establishing a framework for expanded bilateral cooperation on green investment and sustainable growth.
Clean energy: Accelerating the transition toward renewable and low-carbon energy
Industry: Reducing industrial carbon emissions
Carbon markets: Developing mechanisms to support emissions reduction and green investment
Water security: Improving resilience and sustainable resource management
Food systems: Supporting more sustainable agriculture and food production
Green finance: Mobilizing private and institutional capital for sustainable projects
The partnership also emphasizes knowledge sharing, stronger trade links, technological innovation and the identification of new investment opportunities.
Mobilizing Private Capital
A central goal of the partnership is to move beyond public financing by attracting greater private-sector investment into clean energy, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
Water Security at the Center of Cairo Talks
During her visit, Hardy met President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and joined ministers and international delegations attending Cairo Water Week 2026.
She also held discussions with Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam on opportunities to deepen cooperation in water security, sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation.
The meetings highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in addressing water scarcity and climate-related pressures, particularly in regions facing increasing demand for limited water resources.
Egypt's role in promoting dialogue on water-related challenges across Africa, the Arab world and the wider international community was also emphasized.
Water Security Meets Climate Policy
The new partnership places water management alongside energy and finance, reflecting the growing connection between climate resilience, resource security and economic development.
More Than $240 Million in UK Green Support
The United Kingdom supports Egypt's green transition through a portfolio exceeding $240 million in grants, investments and technical assistance.
The funding supports renewable energy, green hydrogen, climate finance, water security and climate resilience initiatives.
Egypt also hosts British International Investment's largest investment portfolio in Africa and its largest climate portfolio globally.
The institution has played a role in financing renewable energy, electricity storage, sustainable infrastructure and industrial development projects, supporting Egypt's target of generating 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Renewable energy: Financing new generation capacity
Energy storage: Supporting more resilient electricity systems
Green hydrogen: Backing emerging low-carbon industries
Sustainable infrastructure: Linking climate investment with long-term economic growth
According to the figures cited, more than half of BII's investments in Egypt under its previous strategy were directed toward climate finance.
Scaling Up Renewable Investment
In 2025, the institution committed more than $300 million to projects including the 1.1-gigawatt Gulf of Suez wind farm and an integrated solar power and battery storage project being developed with Scatec.
These investments form part of broader efforts to expand Egypt's renewable energy capacity and strengthen the infrastructure needed for a more sustainable energy system.
From Climate Finance to Infrastructure
British investment is increasingly moving from climate commitments into large-scale renewable energy, storage and infrastructure projects on the ground in Egypt.
Building on COP26 and COP27
The Green Growth Partnership builds on a history of climate cooperation between Cairo and London, including the United Kingdom's hosting of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow and Egypt's hosting of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
The agreement also follows earlier diplomatic engagement on climate policy, including a visit to Cairo by UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte in 2026.
During that visit, Kyte held discussions with Egyptian officials, entrepreneurs, civil society representatives and academics on climate action and sustainable development.
From Climate Diplomacy to Green Investment
The new partnership seeks to convert years of climate diplomacy between Cairo and London into a broader pipeline of investment, technology, trade and sustainable development projects.
The partnership is intended to connect climate priorities more closely with economic development, creating opportunities for investment, innovation and employment while supporting Egypt's transition toward a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Tue, Oct. 27, 2026
