Egypt's Ministry of Finance is working with IFC (World Bank Group), and the American University in Cairo (AUC) to promote Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and help raise awareness of the benefits of private sector involvement in major infrastructure projects.

IFC will provide ad-hoc technical assistance to teachers and students at AUC. Part of a Ministry of Finance initiative, the collaboration aims to encourage the creation of such projects by ensuring relevant knowledge is shared.

The new PPP Central Unit plans to hold joint conferences, workshops and other events with IFC and AUC in order to support prospective enterprise and promote awareness of the benefits of PPPs. 

"Working closely with academia and governments in this area will promote public-private partnerships and develop the necessary knowledge base and skills of Egyptian citizens," said Laurence Carter, PPP Director at IFC.

IFC has been advising the government of Egypt on the implementation of PPP deals since 2006, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Finance. Since then, the ministry has sought to pilot PPP projects in the water and sanitation, transport, and health sectors. Notable successes include the New Cairo Wastewater Project, completed in February 2010, and the development of two teaching hospitals in the city of Alexandria, agreed in April 2012.

Source: IFC