The AFD is helping to finance a 63,5 km link between Rubeiki and Belbeis to connect industrial zones and ports. The EBRD and Egypt are providing a further €215 million budget.
Egypt and the French Development Agency (AFD) signed a €70 million ($77,3 million) agreement on April 8. This financing is part of the construction of the Rubeiki-Belbeis line. The total cost is estimated at €215 million. The EBRD is contributing €35 million. Egypt, for its part, is providing €110 million.
The new 63,5-km line will serve seven stations and a dry logistics port. It will connect Cairo's industrial zones, including the 10th of Ramadan City (3 factories), to the ports of Sokhna, Adabiya, Port Said, Damietta, Alexandria, and Dekheila. It will also be connected to the LRT (light rail) network.
This project is part of the NWFE+ program, supported by the AFD, the EBRD, and the EIB. Its goal is to strengthen exports and open up industrial sites. Discussions also focused on a future Taba-Al-Arish line (350 km) and collaborations with Alstom, Thales, and CMA CGM.
The agreement was signed during Emmanuel Macron's visit to Cairo. It confirms Egypt's priority for sustainable infrastructure. Rail transport is expected to streamline freight transport and reduce pressure on roads.
