Egypt and Rwanda agree executive action plan for water management projects
Egypt and Rwanda have signed an executive action plan to activate a bilateral memorandum of understanding on water resources management and irrigation, Egypt’s water ministry said on Saturday. The agreement was finalised during an official visit by Egyptian Water Resources Minister Hani Sewilam to Kigali, where he and Rwanda’s Environment Minister Bernadette Arakwu attended the closing session of the joint steering committee meetings for the Water Resources Management and Irrigation Project. The plan includes development projects designed to address Rwanda’s water needs, such as the drilling of wells and the construction of rainwater-harvesting dams to provide clean drinking water for communities and livestock. During the visit, Sewilam and Arakwu toured the Nyandungu Eco-Park in Kigali. Arakwu highlighted Rwanda’s efforts to promote sustainable urban models that balance development and environmental protection.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 18:34 UTC
The Grand Barter: Accounting Ambition vs. Strategic Stability - Dailynewsegypt
However, at its core, this proposal raises fundamental questions that go to the heart of economic national security and the very independence of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the Suez Canal is a sovereign entity governed by a unique set of laws. Any disruption in global shipping would directly impact the bank’s financial position, potentially undermining the currency’s strength during international crises. Traditionally, a central bank’s assets should remain in gold, cash, and readily marketable international securities rather than fixed infrastructure that cannot be easily liquidated. Protecting the Suez Canal and the Central Bank requires each to remain on its own independent track.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 17:11 UTC
Egypt’s FM hosts African Union representatives to discuss trade corridors and regional stability
Egypt hosts African Union representatives to discuss trade corridors and regional stability as Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to the African Union’s founding principles of state sovereignty and non-interference on Saturday. During the meeting with representatives of AU organisations and offices, Abdelatty stated that Egypt, as a founding member of the AU, prioritises joint action to consolidate peace, security, and development across the continent. He noted that these principles represent a fundamental pillar of Egyptian foreign policy within bilateral, regional, and international frameworks. Furthermore, the minister highlighted Egypt’s support for African solutions to African problems and the preservation of national institutions. Addressing the political and security challenges facing the continent, the minister urged AU offices to play an active role in conflict prevention and the peaceful resolution of crises.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 17:11 UTC
Egyptian bank assets climb to EGP 24.8trn as household deposits lead growth
Banks’ balances with one another domestically totalled around EGP 2.825trn, while their balances with banks abroad reached around EGP 1.594trn. Non-government deposits amounted to EGP 12.156trn, including around EGP 8.971trn in local currency and the equivalent of around EGP 3.184trn in foreign currencies. The report noted that the public business sector accounted for around EGP 158.696bn of total non-government deposits in local currency, while the private business sector’s share was EGP 1.484trn, the household sector EGP 7.277trn, and non-residents EGP 51.026bn. Meanwhile, in foreign-currency non-government deposits, the public business sector accounted for the equivalent of EGP 197.014bn, the private business sector the equivalent of EGP 1.020trn, the household sector the equivalent of EGP 1.852trn, and non-residents the equivalent of EGP 115.110bn. It said this increase was driven by a rise in net foreign assets at banks equivalent to EGP 110.9bn, and at the central bank equivalent to EGP 17.6bn.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 17:11 UTC
Climate Change Could Add Over 120 Million Malaria Cases in Africa by 2050, Study Warns
Researchers combined climate information with health, socioeconomic and malaria control records to assess how the disease may evolve under future warming scenarios. The findings suggest that climate change could result in 123 million additional malaria cases between 2024 and 2050, along with more than 530,000 extra deaths, if malaria control efforts remain at today’s levels. Instead, climate change will mainly worsen malaria risk in high-burden regions. The study warns that climate change could undermine these gains and make global eradication targets far harder to reach by mid-century. The study concludes that climate change is no longer a distant future threat.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 17:07 UTC
Egypt’s Madbouly inspects 430-bed university hospital and $41m industrial projects in Minya tour
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inspected the trial operation of the 430-bed Triple University Hospital in Minya on Saturday, as part of a wider tour of industrial, housing, and infrastructure projects in the governorate. Minya University President Essam el-Din Farhat said the governorate’s university hospitals currently provide 2 million medical services annually across 1,700 beds. He added that ongoing projects, including the Triple University Hospital and specialised units for ophthalmology, oncology, and paediatrics, will add a further 1,050 beds to the regional healthcare system. The Prime Minister also inspected the United Company for Drying Agricultural Crops, where total investment has reached $41m following the addition of an $11m production line. Regarding housing, Madbouly distributed contracts for the first phase of a 508m EGP residential project in the South Minya district.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 16:44 UTC
ETA reviews tax system evolution and its role in driving investment
The Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) recently participated in the annual tax conference hosted by Ernst & Young (EY) Egypt, a forum dedicated to exploring the latest shifts in tax policy. Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the ETA, underscored the vital importance of engaging in specialised dialogues that unite tax authorities with the broader business community. Such platforms are essential for strengthening communication channels and showcasing state-led initiatives to refine the investment climate. Ragab Mahrous, Advisor to the Head of the ETA, detailed the second package of tax facilitation measures, which rests on the dual pillars of procedural enhancements and legislative amendments. Furthermore, Mahrous confirmed that new legislation would permit recent tax periods to utilise the lump-sum tax system established under Law No.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 16:36 UTC
Egypt’s Sports Minister attends FISU executive meetings in China to discuss global expansion
Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhy, has participated in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings in China to discuss the strategic expansion of global university sports. The meetings focused on enhancing cooperation between continental and international federations and reviewing preparations for upcoming university sports championships and events, according to the ministry. Sobhy said Egypt’s active participation in the FISU meetings reflects the “advanced position” the country holds on the international sporting stage. The Egyptian government prioritises cooperation with international sports institutions and the exchange of expertise to implement global best practices in managing university sports, the minister added. As President of the African University Sports Federation, Sobhy presented a vision for the continent’s sporting development.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 16:32 UTC
Egyptian-Greek partnership targets European markets through new handicrafts deal
Egypt and Greece have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in creative industries and handicrafts, aiming to facilitate the access of Egyptian products to European markets through Greece. The agreement, signed between the International Creative Academy (ICA) of Egypt and the Foundation of the Hellenic World, seeks to support joint production of competitive handicraft products. The MoU was signed by Hany Barakat, President of the ICA, and Sophia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou, Executive Vice President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World. “The MoU represents an important step toward strengthening Egyptian-Greek economic cooperation in the high value-added creative and handicraft sectors,” El-Sherif said. The framework outlines several areas of joint cooperation, including the organisation of exhibitions, trade events, and joint creative workshops.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 16:31 UTC
Egypt assumes AU Peace and Security Council presidency in February with focus on Sudan, Somalia
Egypt will assume the presidency of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council on Feb. 1, with a primary focus on addressing the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Somalia. The Egyptian presidency aims to enhance the effectiveness of the council through a comprehensive approach to peace, security, and governance. Consultations are also planned with specialised agencies to examine the connection between food security and regional stability. During its term, the Egyptian delegation will present the annual report on the activities of the Peace and Security Council to the AU Summit of heads of state and government. The presidency will also include various field visits and consultations with relevant parties to coordinate regional security efforts, the ministry added.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 31, 2026 15:09 UTC
Amazon’s layoffs are staggering. We’ve seen this before
Big Tech continues to wrestle with mass layoffs, most recently with Amazon’s announcement to slash 16,000 jobs. Amazon’s staggering jobs cuts this week, the second wave since October, brings the commerce giant’s recent layoffs to roughly 9% of its corporate workforce. While Amazon’s layoffs aren’t a direct result of AI, they’re tangentially related. AI is the “most transformative technology we’ve seen since the internet,” Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, said when announcing layoffs in October. New technology can bring new business prioritiesIBM is one of the most prominent examples of mass layoffs in response to new technology.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 31, 2026 14:11 UTC
France enacts law to return artifacts to their countries of origin
The French Senate approved a bill aimed at facilitating the return of artworks and artifacts to their countries of origin, reflecting a significant shift in France’s approach to its colonial past. France responded to demands from numerous African nations, which endured years of French colonial rule, to reclaim historical artworks and artifacts looted during the colonial era, according to France 24. The French Senate unanimously approved the bill to facilitate the return of artworks and artifacts taken from former colonies. Algeria is demanding the return of personal belongings of the religious and military leader Emir Abdelkader al-Jazairi. Mali is seeking the return of pieces from the Ségou treasure, and Benin, which has received 26 artifacts in recent years, and has submitted additional requests including for the return of a statue of the god Djo.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 31, 2026 11:36 UTC
Hundreds feared dead after mine collapses in eastern Congo
Goma, Congo AP — A landslide earlier this week collapsed several mines at a major coltan A landslide earlier this week collapsed several mines at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo , leaving at least 200 people dead, rebel authorities said Saturday. The collapse took place Wednesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebels, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, the spokesperson of the rebel-appointed governor of North-Kivu province told The Associated Press. The country produced about 40 percent of the world’s coltan in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada and Brazil being other big suppliers. Despite the signing of a deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments brokered by the U.S. and ongoing negotiations between rebels and Congo, fighting continues on several fronts in eastern Congo, continuing to claim numerous civilian and military casualties. The deal between Congo and Rwanda also opens up access to critical minerals for the U.S. government and American companies.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 31, 2026 11:36 UTC
Salah earns resounding victory on Champions League night
Wednesday’s Champions League matches witnessed fiery encounters and impressive results, including Liverpool’s resounding 6-0 victory over Qarabag. Salah’s victory came after a goal drought since November, propelling him to 11th place in the all-time Champions League top scorers list with 49 goals, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This appearance against Qarabag marked Salah’s 80th Champions League match for Liverpool, equaling Jamie Carragher’s record. Barcelona continued their strong performances with a resounding 4-1 victory over Copenhagen, while Olympiacos edged past Ajax 2-1. Arsenal secured an important away win against German side Kairat 3-2, while Sporting Lisbon snatched a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 31, 2026 11:36 UTC
Israeli media reveals date for Rafah crossing’s opening
Israeli news site Walla reported a senior official in the Israeli army saying on Wednesday that the Rafah border crossing will open to pedestrians on Sunday. According to the Israeli website, government ministers were summoned last week to a cabinet meeting to discuss the reopening of Rafah crossing. At the end of the meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet, which focused on a series of “sensitive issues” related to the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza and steps toward the second phase of the agreements, the potential reopening of Rafah crossing was on the agenda. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier met for several hours with two senior envoys of US President Donald Trump, Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner. Another senior US official, Josh Greenbaum, also joined the meeting, which was part of an intensive US effort to bolster steps that would ensure the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza and lay the groundwork for a long-term agreement.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 31, 2026 09:03 UTC