Egypt produces over 100 million tons of waste annually, much of which is organic, representing both a challenge and a significant economic opportunity. With effective policies, technologies, and international collaboration, organic waste can be converted into value streams that support the country’s bioeconomy. Dutch partners bring expertise in waste processing, circular solutions, and investment in promising Egyptian enterprises, helping Egypt turn its waste into economic and environmental value. Organic waste constitutes 50–60% of landfill content, yet its high moisture and biodegradable nature make segregation and recycling difficult. Limited waste data, under-recognized informal waste workers, and absent quality standards for recycled materials further complicate effective management.
Despite these challenges, opportunities abound. Egypt’s large organic waste volume and diverse waste systems create niches for reuse and valorization. Viewed as a “combi-country” by the Netherlands, Egypt is seen as an emerging market where a mix of cooperation, trade, and investment can drive sustainable prosperity, social wellbeing, and circular bio-based solutions. Organic waste is central to the Dutch-Egyptian cooperation track focused on climate-smart and water-smart agriculture.
The Egyptian Ministry of Environment supports this transition through the National Bio-based Economy Strategy, launched in 2021, which aims to foster sustainable economic development by maximizing the value of biological resources and minimizing waste. In 2023, the Climate and Environment Investment Unit (CLEIU) was established to attract green investment. Increasingly, Egyptian SMEs like Mozna and Chitosan are entering the waste valorization market, creating jobs, stimulating supply chains, and reducing pollution. These companies require continued technical and business support to scale their impact.
The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, along with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, are catalyzing the organic waste market through the combitrack approach. This model brings Dutch expertise, facilitates cooperation, and stimulates business development. Dutch initiatives help Egyptian enterprises access technical knowledge, finance, and market connections to promote circular solutions in agriculture.
Several initiatives demonstrate the impact of this collaboration. The SASPEN (Sustainable Agriculture Service Provision Network) project has provided technical and business support to about 45 Egyptian service providers and scale-ups, linking them with Dutch companies. Chitosan Egypt, the first industrial chitosan producer in the MENA region, converts shrimp and crab waste into organic crop protection products, expanding its operations with Dutch support. Mozna Agricultural Solutions transforms agricultural waste into organic fertilizers, diverting over 30 tons of waste daily, increasing farmer productivity, creating green jobs, and reducing carbon emissions. These examples, continued through the AgroVenture Egypt hub, illustrate how Dutch collaboration accelerates bioeconomic growth and climate-smart agriculture.
Dutch stakeholders have multiple opportunities in Egypt’s bioeconomy. They can provide technology transfer for waste sorting and processing, deliver training and capacity-building programs through knowledge institutions, invest in innovative Egyptian SMEs, and collaborate with civil society to promote sustainable waste management. These efforts strengthen skills, enhance market efficiency, and increase environmental benefits.
The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) and the Combi-track team are actively fostering sustainable bioeconomy development by connecting Dutch and Egyptian businesses, improving communication, attracting investment, and facilitating matchmaking. Building on this foundation, a second phase of SASPEN will support agricultural startups innovating with organic waste, and new Dutch-Egyptian programs will link companies with innovative technology providers.
Organic waste valorization represents a critical pathway for Egypt’s sustainable development and green transition. By leveraging Dutch expertise, supporting local initiatives, and promoting circular bioeconomy solutions, Egypt can achieve long-term economic growth, environmental benefits, and enhanced food security, turning waste into wealth.
