by – Ramy Zohdy
Recent statements by some Ethiopian officials have once again claimed that Egypt’s engagement with Nile Basin countries is intended to obstruct upstream development. Such allegations ignore both historical facts and the reality of Egypt’s long-standing development partnerships across Africa.
Egypt has never opposed the right of any African nation to pursue development or generate hydropower. On the contrary, Cairo has consistently affirmed that development is a legitimate right for every African country. The real issue has never been development itself, but rather ensuring that development projects on shared international rivers comply with international law and do not cause significant harm to other riparian states.
Egypt’s position has always been based on universally recognized principles governing international watercourses: equitable and reasonable utilization, the obligation not to cause significant harm, prior consultation, transparency, and cooperation among riparian states.
Over the past decade, Egypt has significantly expanded its development cooperation with Nile Basin countries through water projects, groundwater wells, medical facilities, agricultural cooperation, irrigation support, technical assistance, scholarships, and professional training. Thousands of African professionals have received capacity-building programs through Egyptian institutions.
Describing these initiatives as attempts to block development is inconsistent with the facts on the ground. They represent practical examples of African solidarity and South-South cooperation.
Likewise, portraying the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a conflict between development and anti-development is misleading. Egypt has never opposed Ethiopia’s development aspirations. Instead, it has consistently called for a legally binding agreement governing the filling and operation of the dam to safeguard the interests of all riparian countries, particularly during periods of drought.
The future of the Nile Basin cannot be built through political accusations or media campaigns. It requires trust, transparency, technical cooperation, and respect for international law. The Nile is a shared river whose sustainable management depends on balancing the legitimate rights and interests of all riparian nations.
Egypt remains committed to expanding economic partnerships, regional connectivity, trade, investment, and development cooperation across the Nile Basin. Such an approach reflects a belief that prosperity is not a zero-sum game, and that cooperation—not confrontation—is the only sustainable path toward regional stability.
Development in the Nile Basin should unite Africa rather than divide it. The future belongs to those who build partnerships based on mutual respect, shared interests, and responsible management of common resources .
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