Egypt as a Strategic Hub for German–African–Arab Cooperation in Water, Technology and Investment
Session Description & Scope:
This high-level strategic panel will explore the long-standing Egyptian–German partnership and its potential to expand into a broader platform connecting Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, with Egypt serving as a strategic hub for regional water markets. The discussion will highlight cooperation opportunities in water and wastewater, including desalination, water reuse, digital technologies, infrastructure, and SME development. Key priorities include technical support, technology transfer and localization, joint ventures, local manufacturing, capacity building, and sustainable business models tailored to African and Arab markets.
The panel will examine the growing role of Arab companies and investors in water technologies, exploring synergies between German expertise, Egyptian manufacturing and implementation capabilities, and Arab investment and market opportunities.
A dedicated discussion will address Egypt’s investment framework and incentives, including the Investment Law’s role in facilitating foreign and joint investment and accelerating project implementation. Panelists will identify key barriers, including financing, regulatory procedures, localization requirements, risk allocation, technology adaptation, and market access, while exploring practical solutions.
The session will conclude by examining a trilateral cooperation model positioning Egypt not merely as a market, but as a platform for joint investment, technology localization, manufacturing, knowledge transfer, and expansion into African and Arab water markets.
Moderator: H.E. Dr. Hisham Zaazou, Former Minister of Tourism
Panelists:
H.E. Eng. Ibrahim Mahlab, Former Prime Minister of Egypt
H.E. Prof. Dr. Abdelkawi Khalifa, Former Minister of Water and Wastewater Utilities
Eng. Mamdouh Raslan, Former Chairman, HCWW
Dr. Amany Asfour, President Africa Business Council /Chair Trade Committee COMESA
Mr. Felix Meyer-Horn, President Corporate Affairs Aerzen Worldwide and Chair Leader Water Europe, Belgium