Sustainable Transport in Egypt via Cleaner Mobility

In October 2018, The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung foundation has supported the organization of 2-days conference about ‘Cleaner Mobility and the Advent of Electric Vehicles’ in Egypt.

Egypt’s ministry of environment, ministry of transport, leading think tanks and NGOs such as the Centre for Environment & Development for the Arab Region & Europe CEDARE have strategies at their disposal for exploiting the potential of electro-mobility. However, there is still no fully unified developed e-mobility strategy in place for Egypt.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung foundation supported the organization of e-mobility conference in an attempt to exchange experiences, promote inclusive dialogue between Egypt’s national decision makers, think tanks’ representatives, the private sector, local, regional and internationally e-mobility experts from Egypt, Germany, China, and Jordan among others. The outputs of such conference would be the formulation of a common vision to e-mobility strategy and preparing a list of necessary interventions from different parties

The conference discussed and highlighted recommendations of a previous policy brief related to mainstreaming electric vehicles in Egypt. The policy brief was prepared by the Centre for Environment & Development for the Arab Region & Europe (CEDARE) and funded by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung foundation.

The conference covered several topics of discussion included policy & regulatory frameworks; financing infrastructure provision; prospects for smart charging and impact on the grid; electric buses technologies; developing an enabling environment for the private sector engagement by the government; and the Jordanian experience in advancing E-mobility among others.

International support by development partners have also been discussed. The United National Development Program (UNDP) and Global Environmental Facility (GEF) representatives showcased successful initiatives around the region towards e-mobility. UNDP and GEF are currently funding 44 million US$ Sustainable Transport Project in Egypt. The project finance is divided as 7 million US$ funded by UNDP and the GEF with 37 million US$ contributed by both the Egyptian government and the Private Sector.

The European Bank for Reconstruction. EBRD has recently issued a 250,000 Euro funded consulting tender for the development of an effective E-mobility strategy. The expected outcome of the assignment is to develop an e-mobility strategy, which will allow the Government of Egypt, represented by the ministries of transport, electricity and renewable energy, to assess the short to medium term market potential and readiness to roll-out Electric Vehicles (EVs) in selected cities. The study will also explore the development and design of the associated charging infrastructure.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung foundation in Egypt was inaugurated in 1976, to contribute to teh improved socioeconomic development of Egypt; by promoting areas of pluralism and democracy; supporting economic and social development; contributing to a more sustainable approach towards the environment and natural resources; besides endorsing gender equality and the promotion of human rights.

This document was produced by DARPE www.darpe.me, November, 2018