Egypt is advancing discussions with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to secure financing for the national aerial survey project aimed at mapping the country’s mineral resources.

The talks took place during a meeting between Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and an EBRD delegation, where both parties explored enhanced cooperation across the petroleum and mining sectors, according to a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR).

Key areas of potential collaboration include upgrading the digital infrastructure of the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA), developing an advanced energy efficiency database, and supporting training programs for the authority’s personnel.

Natalia Lacorzana, Director and Head of Natural Resources at EBRD, highlighted the EBRD’s cooperation with Egypt’s petroleum sector, including technical and financial support for energy efficiency projects and carbon emissions reduction efforts. She also confirmed the bank’s readiness to finance Egypt’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production project, currently under development by the sector.​

The meeting follows Badawi’s visit to London last week, where he led an Egyptian-British business mission to showcase reforms and promote investments in Egypt’s mining sector. During the visit, Badawi revealed a package of investment incentives designed to attract exploration activity, including reduced annual fees during early exploration stages, tax and customs exemptions for equipment, a single license for multi-mineral exploration, and fast-track reconnaissance licenses for startups.