After a decade of dedicated efforts, the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) held the closing ceremony for the “Sustainable Recycling Industries” (SRI) project. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Waste Management Regulatory Agency (WMRA), the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and the Electronics Research Institute (ERI)—and funded by the Swiss Government as an international development partner—the project played a pivotal role in advancing the circular economy and promoting sustainable e-waste management in Egypt.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Mr. Bernard Soland (Deputy Head of International Cooperation, Swiss Embassy in Egypt), Mr. Yasser Abdullah (Head of WMRA), and Eng. Mahmoud Badawi (Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation, MCIT). The session was moderated by Dr. Hossam Allam (Sustainable Growth Program Director, CEDARE). Key presentations were delivered by Dr. Matthias Schluep (Director of the World Resources Forum), Ms. Ghada Moghni (Project Coordinator at CEDARE), and Ms. Esther Thieboud (Swiss Expert), highlighting the project’s milestones and impact.
Through strong collaboration with stakeholders, the SRI project achieved remarkable results, including:
A surge in e-waste processing from 1,900 tons in 2019 to 6,800 tons in 2023, positioning Egypt as a leader in Africa.
An increase in licensed recycling factories from 6 to 27.
The creation of 350 permanent green jobs, up from 100 in 2019.
Vocational training in 19 smart schools across 19 governorates, with 43% female participation.
The launch of Egypt’s first e-waste exchange platform and business incubators to support startups in the recycling sector.
These milestones reflect a long-term strategic partnership aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
A special thanks to all partners, experts, and stakeholders who contributed to this success! Together, we have laid the foundation for a greener, more circular economy in Egypt.
