IFC helps boost clean tech startups in Egypt, enables farmers switch to solar

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is joining forces with the National Bank of Egypt and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) to strengthen the clean technology entrepreneurship sector and boost Egyptian farmers’ access to finance for solar irrigation.

Startups make up the bulk of players in the photovoltaic (PV) solar water pumping market in Egypt but are currently unable to scale up because of a lack of payment and finance options for customers, and a limited understanding of the sector. IFC’s specialized team will deliver technical assistance to four financial institutions, including the National Bank of Egypt, and MSMEDA to help develop a financial product for farmers to be able to afford purchase the pumps and assist with its piloting and roll out.  

Around 960,000 diesel-powered water pumps are currently used for irrigation across Egypt, at a cost of about $250 million annually for the diesel. Replacing the pumps with PV systems would save farmers money in fuel and maintenance and help create a cleaner environment.

Nevine Gamea, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Executive President of MSMEDA said: ''Through our partnership with IFC, MSMEDA will deepen its understanding of solar irrigation systems and develop a financial product for farmers to purchase solar irrigation pumps. Not only can farmers use a clean and free source of energy, but they can also irrigate more land and increase their production. This initiative comes in consistency and in full alignment with MSMEDA strategy in exploring new feasible financial products that are environmentally friendly and using clean technology.''

Yehia Abou El Fotouh, Deputy Chairman of the  National Bank of Egypt said: “The National Bank of Egypt will work hand in hand with IFC to develop financial products for farmers so they can purchase solar-powered water pumps,” adding that lack of knowledge about the investment needed for solar products often makes banks shy away from financing such projects.

Walid Labadi, IFC’s Country Manager for Egypt said: “Egypt’s startups have identified major untapped potential for the use of solar amongst farmers. Our aim is to unlock this potential by supporting entrepreneurs and financial institutions in developing innovative business models that will boost the adoption of clean technology in the country.”

The project is being implemented in partnership with the governments of Denmark, Korea and Netherlands.

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