Egypt is a global model for green transformation after being selected among the seven countries of the Climate Fund

Egypt is a global model for green transformation after being selected among the seven countries of the Climate Fund

In a step that confirms Egypt’s serious commitment to transitioning towards a sustainable green economy, the Cabinet Media Center announced that Egypt has been selected as one of only seven countries around the world to benefit from the Climate Investment Fund (CIF – Climate Investment Funds) programme, dedicated to supporting emission reduction projects in the industrial sector worth one billion dollars.

This global fund – the Climate Investment Fund – was established in 2008 at a joint initiative of theGroup of Eight industrialized countries (G8); Its global goals are based on financing national transformation efforts towards a low-carbon economy in developing countries, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hence this selection comes after a competition between 26 countries, which reflects the strength of the Egyptian position on the issue of climate action, and its ability to present clear implementation plans that are compatible with global environmental priorities. This achievement also constitutes an important turning point. It opens the way for Egypt to attract more green investments, enhance its clean energy infrastructure, and expand national projects that serve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Progress in global climate and renewable energy indicators

In order to realize the importance of this achievement, we can read the Egyptian indicators during recent years, which reflected a noticeable improvement in Egypt’s position in the fields of climate and renewable energy. The country advanced 6 places in the climate change index issued by the “GermanWatch” organization. It will reach 20th place globally in 2025, compared to 26th place in 2014, which is progress that reflects the feasibility of government policies in this field.

On the other hand, Egypt’s rating rose in the environmental performance index issued by Yale University (one of the oldest American universities); To reach 43.7 points in 2024, compared to 39.2 points in 2014; Which reflects a noticeable improvement in the management of natural resources and the reduction of pollutants.

The progress was not limited to these indicators, but also included the Efficient Energy Transition Index issued by theWorld Economic Forum, where Egypt advanced 5 places, in addition to a similar progress in the “Ernst & Young” index for the attractiveness of investment in renewable energy (it is an index that evaluates the best 40 global markets in terms of the attractiveness of investment in renewable energy, based on… Market size, policy environment, infrastructure, global trends); To become ranked 34th globally in June 2024. These jumps in the global ranking represent a testimony to the success of local policies in linking economic growth with environmental protection and increasing reliance on clean energy sources.

Strategic frameworks that support the green transition

To achieve the above positive indicators, Egypt relied on clear strategic plans to ensure the continuity of the green transformation, which began by re-establishing the National Climate Change Council in 2019, headed by the Prime Minister; To become an entity capable of leading national efforts in this field, it also launched the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which sets ambitious goals for adapting to climate change and reducing emissions.

In addition, Egypt developed the Sustainable Energy Strategy 2040 with the aim of raising the contribution of renewable energy in the electricity mix to 30% in 2030, and 60% by 2040, and launched the National Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy in 2024 to diversify energy sources and reduce emissions.

Pioneer projects in renewable energy and green hydrogen

Egypt has been able to achieve a leap in its installed capabilities in many green projects. Among the most prominent are:

Renewable Energy

Egypt was able to strengthen its steps in the field of renewable energy; To reach7600 megawatts from solar, hydro and wind sources, and among the most prominent projects is the Benban solar energy complex with a capacity of 1465 megawatts, which is one of the largest projects in Africa, and the Jebel El-Zeit wind farm with a capacity of580 megawatts. The state has allocated an area of 42.9 thousand square kilometers for renewable energy and hydrogen projects. Green.

Hydrogen

In the field of hydrogen, Egypt concluded16 memoranda of understanding with international developers, followed by signing 7 binding framework agreements with the developers themselves; To implement green fuel projects. These steps make Egypt a candidate to become a leading regional center in the production and export of green hydrogen, supporting the global trend towards low-emission energy sources.

Voluntary Carbon Markets

Egypt also launched the firstvoluntary carbon market in 2024, which provides a new mechanism for financing emissions reduction in various sectors. Green public investments in Egypt then achieved significant growth, as their percentage – of the total public investments implemented – increased from 15% in 2020/2021 to 55% in 2020. 2025/2026.

Green Bonds

Egypt also issued the first offering ofgreen bondsin global markets with a value of $750 million, which strengthens its presence in international financing markets dedicated to environmental projects.

Transformation in the transportation sector

The transportation sector in Egypt has witnessed a radical transformation with the implementation of major projects such as:

• Electric bullet train.
• Light Rail.
• Monorail East and West Nile.

Also, more than 600,000 cars were converted to run on natural gas until mid-2025, with a plan to convert another 180,000 cars between the end of 2025 and 2028, and the trial run of the frequency busBRT was launched in Greater Cairo, in a step that paves the way for expanding the environmentally friendly public transportation network and improving air quality.

Efforts to reduce pollution and increase green spaces

With regard to confronting pollution, the percentage of solid particle pollution in Greater Cairo and the Delta has decreased by 35% since 2015, an achievement that reflects the effectiveness of control measures and afforestation projects. Within the framework of the “100 Million Trees” presidential initiative, 1.5 million trees were planted during the first two years, which contributes to absorbing carbon and improving the local climate.

95 industrial facilities were also linked to the national emissions monitoring network, and more than a thousand campaigns were implemented to examine vehicle exhausts. These efforts – in addition to avoiding more than 334 thousand tons of emissions in the face of the “black cloud” – reflect the country’s commitment to preserving the environment and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In light of these rapid achievements and profound transformations that Egypt is experiencing on the path to a sustainable green economy, its ability to formulate a precise equation between economic growth and environmental protection is evident, so that the Egyptian experience becomes an inspiring reference in the arena of regional and global climate action.

Considering the opinion ofEarth Defenders Foundation, we will find that Egypt’s selection among the seven countries benefiting from the Climate Investment Fund is testimony that the Egyptian national path is based on integrated strategic visions; Therefore,Earth Guards confirms that this trend reflects a conscious commitment to reducing emissions, developing sustainable transportation systems, and promoting green investments. In order to achieve all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).