Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and Japan sign major financing agreement for Cairo Metro Line 4 project
In a significant boost to Egypt’s sustainable transport infrastructure, Egypt and Japan have signed the financing agreement for the fourth tranche of Japan’s funding to the first phase of Cairo Metro Line 4.
The official signing ceremony took place at Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, highlighting the deep strategic partnership between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Lieutenant-General Engineer Kamel El Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, and Mr. Ebisawa Yo, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Cairo.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt, and H.E. Ambassador Fumio Iwai, Japanese Ambassador to Cairo.
Lieutenant-General Kamel El Wazir expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government and people, as well as to JICA, for their steadfast support in developing Egypt’s transport sector.
He stated, “Under the direction of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we are keenly expanding Egypt’s network of green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly urban mass transit. Cairo Metro Line 4 is a vital national project that will connect key areas, reduce congestion, and bolster economic, commercial, and tourism growth in line with Egypt Vision 2030.”
The fourth metro line will link the Sixth of October City and New Cairo with several high-density areas, including Giza, Al-Haram, Al-Omrania, Nasr City, Al-Azhar University, and the Grand Egyptian Museum area. The route will notably support tourism by connecting central Cairo to renowned archaeological sites. Upon completion, the line is projected to transport about 1.5 million passengers per day.
The project will be delivered in four phases. The first phase, spanning 19 km and 17 stations, will run from Hadayek Al-Ashgar to Al-Fustat. Next phases will extend the route to Nasr City, Rehab, and link with the New Administrative Capital and Sixth of October City, integrating Egypt’s expanding network of electric and sustainable mass transit solutions.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat highlighted, “This partnership comes as part of our commitment to complete Egypt’s subway network as one of the most important pillars of green, sustainable transportation in the country. Continued collaboration with Japan is key to achieving our development goals and meeting the needs of Greater Cairo’s growing population.”
She further noted that inclusive and strategic planning—through Egypt’s “National Narrative for Economic Development”—ensures that funding is aligned with national and sectoral strategies, optimizing investments to drive competitiveness, exports, and foreign direct investment.
Japanese Ambassador Fumio Iwai remarked, “This project is the largest in the history of our seventy-year economic partnership with Egypt, reflecting the trust and firm bonds built between our two nations. The completed metro line will connect central Cairo to premier tourist sites in Giza, including the Grand Egyptian Museum, set for full opening in November.”
Today's agreement exemplifies the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and Japan in developing sustainable infrastructure. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the Cairo Metro Line 4 efficiently and to the highest standards, serving the citizens of Egypt while deepening a longstanding friendship between the two nations.