Egypt, Rwanda Sign Water, Trade Deals During Kagame Visit

Published SEP 24 2025

Story

Above: President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt on March 26, 2022. Image credit: Egyptian Presidency/Getty Images

The Facts

Rwandan President Paul Kagame arrived for an official visit in Cairo on Tuesday, where he was received by his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Both oversaw the signing of several cooperation agreements in key areas to strengthen bilateral economic relations.
EgyptToday
The New Times
The memorandums of understanding included frameworks for managing water resources, allocating land in Rwanda for logistical and commercial hubs, developing housing projects, and protecting bilateral investments between the African countries.
Amwal Al Ghad
EgyptToday
Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib noted that bilateral trade increased from $68 million in 2023 to $216 million in 2024, adding that both sides aimed at doubling this figure in the coming years by expanding trade and strengthening investment relations.
Zawya
Dailynewsegypt
Kagame further praised the 2024 establishment of the Magdi Yacoub Cardiac Surgery Center in Kigali, which he said will "significantly enhance" specialized cardiac treatment in Rwanda. The center will be built in collaboration with Egypt, which will also provide medical training.
The New Times
Rwanda
President El-Sisi stressed that the issue of water is an existential matter for Egypt, particularly in light of the severe water scarcity it faces, and that Egypt will not accept any infringement on its water rights, while showing openness to constructive cooperation with Nile Basin countries.
Sis
Kuna
Egypt and Rwanda have maintained diplomatic ties for over six decades, with Cairo among the first capitals to recognize Rwanda's independence in 1962. A Joint Committee was established in 1989 to organize cooperation covering politics, trade, education, health, and capacity-building.
English
Rwandadispatch

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

These agreements are a strategic win for Egypt's economic expansion into East Africa. The logistics zone in Rwanda creates a permanent foothold for Egyptian goods in a market of 300 million people, while the reciprocal land allocation gives Egyptian businesses direct access to regional trade corridors. With trade already jumping from $68 million to $216 million in just one year, this partnership positions Egypt as a key player in Africa's fastest-growing economic region.

Amwal Al Ghad

Narrative B

Rwanda gains tremendous value from this partnership by accessing Egypt's advanced technical expertise and established trade networks. The heart care center and pharmaceutical cooperation directly address Rwanda's healthcare development goals, while Egyptian investment in infrastructure supports the country's Vision 2050 development strategy. Egypt's commitment to capacity building and knowledge transfer provides Rwanda with the tools needed to become a regional economic hub.

The New Times

Opposition narrative

Egypt’s deepening partnership with Rwanda — spanning security cooperation and investment deals — risks entrenching authoritarian practices on both sides. Cairo, under President el-Sisi, and Kigali, led by Paul Kagame, face persistent allegations of suppressing dissent and curbing press freedoms. Their closer ties, framed as regional stability and economic progress, may instead normalize illiberal governance and weaken African efforts toward accountable democracy.

Amnesty International

The Conversation