On January 27, 2025, Ambassador Ahmed Sharif of Egypt, alongside Mrs. Bemi Machodina, met with South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, H.E. Pemmy Majodina, at the Ministry’s Pretoria headquarters. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries on water management, with particular attention to achieving the sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) related to water access.
Ambassador Sharif highlighted the water challenges facing South Africa, noting the country’s need for investments in infrastructure to ensure reliable water distribution across its regions. He also pointed to Egypt’s own struggle with water scarcity, emphasizing the country’s reliance on the Nile River as its primary source of renewable water. Egypt is facing a critical water shortage, one of the lowest rainfall rates globally, and is approaching the absolute water poverty line.
Both sides exchanged views on the importance of cooperation on transboundary water resources, with an emphasis on utilizing scientific research and international law to guide future agreements. The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming Africa Water Investment Summit, scheduled to take place in South Africa later this year under the African Union’s framework.
