Egypt and Switzerland Sign USD 1.7 Million Grant for National E-Waste Recycling System

Egypt and Switzerland have entered into a CHF 1.4 million (USD 1.7 million) grant agreement to establish a national framework for sustainable electronic waste management. The three-year Circular Electronics Initiative aims to enhance the reuse and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment while fostering the growth of green industries across Egypt. This partnership represents a significant advancement for the regional waste management sector by introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles and targeting high-impact waste streams to mitigate environmental risks.

The agreement was formalized by Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad, and Swiss Ambassador Andreas Baum, with the project slated to run through June 30, 2029. Financed by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, the initiative focuses on creating an integrated framework for e-waste in alignment with Egypt Vision 2030 and the nation's sustainable development goals. Implementation will be led by Egypt’s Waste Management Regulatory Authority in coordination with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, while the World Resources Forum Association will oversee project activities.

A primary technical focus of the project is the specialized recycling of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. These specific waste streams are prioritized because they contain substances capable of contributing to ozone depletion and climate change if they are not disposed of through environmentally sound systems. By establishing professionalized collection and disposal systems for these appliances, the initiative seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of Egypt’s electronics sector while improving overall resource efficiency and encouraging investment in green industries.

Building upon the foundations of the Sustainable Recycling Industries program, which operated from 2016 to 2025, this new phase will emphasize institutional and legislative reforms. Key objectives include strengthening governance, establishing robust compliance and monitoring mechanisms, and developing professionalized collection and recycling systems. Furthermore, the project aims to improve data collection and introduce the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, which mandates that producers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, thereby creating a more sustainable and circular economic model for the electronics industry.