Egypt's Local Development Minister and World Bank Discuss Major Air Pollution and Waste Management Projects for Greater Cairo

Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad convened with a World Bank delegation on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to review the significant progress of the Greater Cairo Air Pollution and Climate Change Management Project. The meeting, held at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Capital, was attended by Environment Affairs Agency Chief Sherif Abdel Rahim, National Project Coordinator Mohamed Hassan, and key World Bank officials and environmental experts, including Regional Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti Alwaleed Al-Atbani. Minister Awad expressed her satisfaction with the addition of 20 new electric buses to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a crucial component of the project aimed at reducing vehicle emissions. This initiative, bolstered by nearly $7 million in World Bank Group funding, represents a substantial stride towards more sustainable and efficient urban transportation and the broader adoption of clean transport technologies to mitigate air pollution and climate-related emissions, particularly in densely populated urban centers.

The discussions also encompassed the operational readiness of the integrated waste management facility in 10th of Ramadan City. This expansive facility, covering 1,228 feddans and representing a $16 million investment, is poised to become one of the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Egypt’s inaugural fully integrated facility. It is engineered to process 15,000 tons of waste daily, handling approximately 50 percent of Greater Cairo's waste generation and is projected to serve the region for over three decades through a public-private partnership. The meeting highlighted the facility’s anticipated environmental and economic advantages, including a projected 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 10 percent decrease in waste-related fires, enhanced support for local manufacturing, increased private-sector involvement, and the creation of over 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the agenda included plans for the closure of the Abu Zaabal dumpsite and the management of its accumulated waste. A simulation presented the projected outcomes post-closure, emphasizing expected reductions in fires within Qalyubia Governorate and greenhouse gas emissions in Greater Cairo, alongside improvements in environmental conditions, quality of life, and the economic value of adjacent residential areas.

An environmental development plan for the industrial zone in Al-Akrasha, Qalyubia, was also reviewed. This zone faces challenges due to the proximity of industrial and residential activities. Proposed solutions include the establishment of a green belt, segregation of residential and industrial zones, and the implementation of a drainage system to address untreated domestic and industrial wastewater.

The development of the Amiriyah bus depot to accommodate 100 electric buses was also a key topic. This depot is slated to be Egypt’s first electric bus depot and one of the largest in the Middle East, with its operation and maintenance managed via a public-private partnership, expected to generate over 1,100 jobs and foster research, development, and the adoption of best practices.

Minister Awad also received an update on Component 6 of the project, which focuses on reducing unintentional releases of persistent organic pollutants through enhanced management of electronic and healthcare waste. This component includes the development of comprehensive guidelines for healthcare waste management, Egypt’s first unified training materials in this sector, and a pilot project for collecting and recycling 40 tons of electronic waste. It also involves assessing current waste management practices, providing technical support to formal recycling facilities and the informal sector, evaluating startup capabilities, and developing an integrated digital management information system (MIS) for improved monitoring and data management of electronic waste.

Minister Awad urged for the acceleration of all projects and programs under this initiative, underscoring their critical importance to the government and their direct positive impact on citizens' lives in the affected governorates. The World Bank delegation reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with the ministry to achieve the project’s objectives, monitor performance, address challenges, and ensure timely completion, thereby supporting Egypt’s sustainable development goals, its green transition, and the protection of its citizens' health and safety.