Hani Sewilam

Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation

Summary

H.E. Professor Hani Sewilam is the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation and a professor of Hydrology and Water Resources Management. Under Minister Sewilam’s leadership, Egypt has embarked on establishing the second generation of irrigation management, marking a transformative shift in the country’s water resource governance strategy.
This new phase, known as “Irrigation v2.0,” focuses on integrating advanced technologies, digital transformation, and sustainable practices to enhance water use efficiency and agricultural productivity. The strategy emphasizes modernizing irrigation systems, promoting precision agriculture, and adopting smart water management solutions that address challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and limited water resources. This forward-looking approach aims to optimize every drop of water through innovative irrigation techniques, improved infrastructure, and strengthened institutional capacity. It aligns with Egypt’s national vision for water security, ensuring resilience, equitable water distribution, and sustainable development for future generations.
Prof. Sewilam served as the Managing Director of the UNESCO Chair in Hydrological Changes and Water Resources Management at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, where he was also the University Rector’s Delegate for African Countries and Academic Director of the Department of Engineering Hydrology.
In Egypt, he has been a professor at the American University in Cairo and the founding director of the Center for Applied Research in Environmental Sustainability (CARES), the country’s first center dedicated to sustainable development. He co-founded an MSc program in Sustainable Management – Water and Energy at RWTH Aachen and established an MSc program in Sustainable Development at the American University in Cairo.
Early in his career, he worked as a researcher at the National Water Research Center of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in Egypt. Since 2002, he has secured funding and implemented numerous international research and development projects in collaboration with institutions from more than 20 European, Mediterranean, and African countries. His work encompasses flood risk management, solar-powered desalination, aquaponics, hydroponics, water scarcity solutions, rainwater harvesting, effective water management, and innovative capacity-building programs for water professionals.
His main areas of expertise include hydrology, water management, desalination, integrated water systems, and the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus. His research also explores the nexus’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Between 2018 and 2021, he was part of the core technical team supporting negotiations among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. He has authored over 130 international publications in water-related fields and contributed to establishing several long-term initiatives.
Professor Sewilam earned his PhD (summa cum laude) in Water Resources Management from RWTH Aachen University, an MSc in Irrigation Management from the University of Southampton, and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Zagazig University. In 2022, he received the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus Award from PRIMA, part of the European Union.
Recently, his course Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Sustainable Development was selected as one of the few globally offered by RWTH Aachen University through edX.org as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

Education

  • PhD in Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering (summa cum laude) – RWTH Aachen University, Germany (1998–2002)
    Thesis: Using Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support Systems in Water Management
  • MSc in Irrigation and Environmental Engineering – University of Southampton, United Kingdom (1992–1994)
  • BSc in Irrigation and Environmental Engineering – Zagazig University, Egypt (1986–1991)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Irrigation Engineering – Zagazig University, Egypt (1991)

Professional Experience

Early career

  • Researcher, National Water Research Center, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt (1991–1997)
    Managed research stations and participated in national and international irrigation and water management projects.
    • Research Assistant, Department of Engineering Hydrology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (1998–2002)
      Conducted PhD research and contributed to hydrology and water resources management projects.

Professional Experience

Academic Director, Department of Engineering Hydrology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2011–2022)

Coordinating academic, research and administrative activities of the LFI. Tasks include contributing in teaching, fundraising, carrying out research on Water Management, Flood Risk Management, and Serious Gaming in Flood. Co-founder and coordinator of the MSc in “Sustainable Management – Water and Energy”, starting Fall 2017/18

Professor of Water Resources Management and Sustainable Development, American University in Cairo, Egypt (2011–2017)

  • Taught and researched sustainable water management, WEF nexus, and desalination for irrigated agriculture.
  • Founded the MSc in Sustainable Development (Double degree with Politecnico di Milano).
  • Founded the Center for Sustainable Development.

Managing Director, UNESCO Chair in Hydrological Changes and Water Resources Management (2009–2022)

  • Led international research initiatives across MENA to address hydrological challenges and achieve SDGs.

Senior Officer, Capacity Development Program, UN-Water Decade Programme (UNW-DPC), Bonn, Germany (2009–2011)

  • Coordinated UN water capacity development with 20+ UN agencies and international bodies.

Deputy Director, Department of Engineering Hydrology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2002–2009)

  • Led academic teams, coordinated projects, and supervised postgraduate programs.

Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation

Second Generation of Irrigation Management and Comprehensive Water Governance in Egypt

The Ministry, under the second generation of irrigation management, has witnessed a transformative shift in Egypt’s water resource governance strategy. The mandate extends beyond high-level policy development to include direct technical oversight and operational management. This comprehensive approach ensures effective implementation and sustainable impact across Egypt’s water sector, serving more than 110 million inhabitants.

Policy and Strategy:

  • Developed national policies to ensure sustainable water management and national water security, including issuing executive regulations for Water Resources Law No. 147/2021.
  • Updated the national water strategy through 2050, integrating climate change and monitoring frameworks across line ministries.

Water Allocation and Management:

  • Supervised fair and efficient distribution across 55,000 km of water channels, including sectors like agriculture, industry, and drinking water.
  • Managed strategic infrastructure such as the High Aswan Dam and planned water use for 4 million acres of newly reclaimed land.

Infrastructure and Efficiency:

  • Prioritized coastal protection over 2,000 km of coastline and maintained 1,500+ flood protection structures.
  • Implemented irrigation and drainage projects across 9 million acres and supervised major canal rehabilitation and modernization initiatives.

Non-Conventional Water Resources:

  • Enhanced water treatment and reuse with mega plants like Bahr El Baqar and New Delta.
  • Expanded rainwater harvesting and intensified desalination efforts for agriculture.

Water Quality and Environment:

  • Enforced pollution control laws protecting the Nile and waterways.
  • Updated water use regulations and prevented encroachments to safeguard aquatic environments.

Regional and International Cooperation:

  • Represented Egypt in Nile Basin negotiations and strengthened global partnerships in water research and technology.

Research, Innovation, and Digital Transformation:

  • Led digital water management using GIS, remote sensing, and drones for monitoring.
  • Bridged research and operational needs through applied science with the National Water Research Center.

Human Resources and Participation:

  • Supported capacity building for 75,000+ employees and developed future leaders programs.
  • Promoted farmer awareness and established over 1,500 Water User Associations.

Coordination and Asset Management:

  • Worked with multiple ministries to align water policies with sectoral strategies.
  • Signed protocols with governorates to maximize use of ministry assets.

Inspection and Oversight:

  • Issued numerous decrees regulating water use and removing encroachments.
  • Ensured efficient canal and drain maintenance through technical and legal oversight.

Selected Initiatives and Regional Roles

 

  • Supervised the organization of the annual Cairo Water Week, successfully transforming it into a flagship regional event that convenes water experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to collaboratively address critical water challenges in the Arab region and beyond.
  • Led global water community efforts at COP27 (2022), advocating for the explicit inclusion of water security and integrated water management within the global climate agenda, underscoring water’s essential role in climate resilience and sustainable development.
  • Co-Chaired the Interactive Dialogue on Water and Climate at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference, facilitating high-level discussions to accelerate action on water-related climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
  • Served as President of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) (2023–2025), providing strategic leadership to promote sustainable water resource management and regional cooperation across African nations.
  • Establishment of the Pan Africa Center for Water adaption, a regional capacity developing hub for African fellows and engineers, hosted by Egypt started June 2023
  • Chair of Arab Ministerial Water Council Executive Board 2024-2026
  • Chair of the Governing Board of the African Water Facility (AWF) under the African Development Bank (AfDB) (2023–2027), overseeing initiatives to mobilize funding and support for water infrastructure and governance projects across Africa.
  • Founder of the Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Sustainability (CARES), Egypt’s first center dedicated to sustainable development research and innovation.
  • Developed the Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Sustainable Development Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) hosted on edX.org, aimed at educating a global audience on integrated approaches to sustainability challenges.

Affiliations and Memberships

 

  • Managing Director, UNESCO Chair in Hydrological Changes and Water Resources Management
  • Member, Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

Awards and Recognition

 

  • Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus Award, PRIMA (EU) – 2022

Publications and Research

 

Books (Editor/Co-Author/Author)

  1. Sewilam, H. et al. Teaching and Learning Kits for Sustainable Development, Level 1.  Adam Publishing House, 2014. Registration number: 22587/2013, ISBN: 978-977-8505-82-5.
  2. Sewilam, H. et al. Teaching and Learning Kits for Sustainable Development, Level 2.  Adam Publishing House, 2014. Registration number: 22588/2013 ISBN: 9789778505832.
  3. Sewilam, H. et al. Teaching and Learning Kits for Sustainable Development, Level 3. Adam Publishing House, 2014.  Registration number: 22589/2013, ISBN: 978-977-8505-84-9.
  4. Sewilam, H. et al. Teachers Guide – Education for Sustainable Development.  Adam Publishing House, 2014. Registration number: 22611/2013, ISBN: 9789778505894.
  5. Sewilam, H. and Rudolpf, K. Editors. Capacity Development for Drinking Water Loss Reduction: Challenges and Experiences.  August Dreesbach Verlag, 2011. ISBN 978-3-940061-51-5
  6. Nacken, H., Bartusseck, S., Sewilam, H. Editors.Entscheidungsunterstützung  in der Wasserwirtschaft – von der Theorie zum Anwendungsfall. Aachen: GFZ, 2005.
  7. Sewilam, H. Neuro-Fuzzy Modelling for Conflict Resolution in Irrigation Management. Aachen/Germany: Shaker Publisher GmbH, 2004. ISBN 3-8322-3369-5 (PhD Dissertation was published as a book)

Book Chapters

  1. Sewilam and Nasr. “Desalinated Water for Food Production in the Arab Region”, In: Amer K., Adeel Z., Böer B., Saleh W. (eds) The Water, Energy, and Food Security Nexus in the Arab Region. Water Security in a New World. Springer, Cham, ISBN 978-3-319-48408-2.
  2. Marlene, M. Sewilam, H. Mader, C. “ EduCamp – Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in Ägypten”, In Bildung für Nachhaltige Entwicklung, Umweltdachverband GmbH, eds. Edition: forum edition JAHRBUCH, FORUM Umweltbildung im Umweltdachverband, 2015, pp.139-145.
  3. Sewilam, H. RCE Cairo: The EduCamp Project –A Multi-Level Cooperation of RCEs”, In Towards More Sustainable Consumption and Production Systems and Sustainable Livelihoods. United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), 2012.
  4. Sewilam, H. and Liebe, J. “Capacity Development for Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture”, In Water and the Green Economy. Bonn, Germany: UNW-DPC, May 2012.
  5. Sewilam, H and Alearts, G. “Knowledge and Capacity Development”, In The United Nations World Water Development Report 4: Managing Water under Uncertainty and Risk (Vol. 1). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France,  2012, ISBN 978-92-3-104235-5, e-book ISBN 978-92-3-001045-4: http://publishing.unesco.org/
  6. Sewilam, H. “Capacity Development for Water Loss Reduction”, In Capacity Development for Drinking Water Loss Reduction: Challenges and Experiences. August Dreesbach Verlag, 2011, ISBN 978-3-940061-51-5.
  7. Sewilam, H. “Rule-Based Systems for Ecohydrological and Morphological Decision Making”, In Decision Support Systems, Vienna, Austria: In-TECH Publisher, 2009, ISBN 978-953-7619-X-X

Peer-Reviewed Journal Papers

  1. Sewilam, H., Breuer, H. Nacken, H., Pyke, C. “Competence-Based and Game-Based Capacity Development for Sustainable Water Management in Germany”, Journal of Environmental Earth Sciences, 76(3) · Published February 2017.
  2. El Barmelgy, A., Nasr, P. and Sewilam, H. “Sustainable Approaches for Utilizing Desalination Reject Brine”. The International Journal on the Science and Technology of Desalting and Water Purification (Submitted June 2017)
  3. El-Essawy, H., Nasr, P., and Sewilam, H. “Aquaponics as a Sustainable Alternative to New Land Reclamation and Conventional Agriculture in Egypt”. Journal of Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (Submitted June 2017).
  4. Albadry, S., Tarabiah, K., and Sewilam, H. “Achieving Net Zero-Energy Buildings through Retrofitting Existing Residential Buildings Using PV Panels”, Energy Procedia 115 (2017) 195–204, Science Direct, February 2017.
  5. Breuer, R., Sewilam, H. Pyke, C. and Nacken, H. “Exploring the application of a flood risk management Serious Game platform”, Journal of Environmental Earth Sciences76(2): 93. doi:10.1007/s12665-017-6387-1 · March 2017.
  6. Nasr, P. and Sewilam, H. “Selection of Potential Fertilizer Draw Solution for Fertilizer Drawn Forward Osmosis Application in Egypt”, Journal of Desalination and Water Treatment. 65 (2017) 22–30. March 2017.
  7. Pyka, C. et al. “Effects of water diversion and climate change on the Rur and Meuse in low-flow situations”, Journal of Environ Earth Sciences, Vol. 75, (2016), p. 1206. doi:10.1007/s12665-016-5989-3.
  8. Nasr, P., & Sewilam, H. “Investigating Fertilizer Drawn Forward Osmosis Process for Groundwater Desalination for Irrigation in Egypt”,   Journal of Desalination and Water Treatment, Vol. 57, Issue 56 (2016), pp. 26932-26942. DOI:10.1080/19443994.2016.1170639
  9. Nasr, P. and Sewilam, H. “Investigating the performance of ammonium sulphate draw solution in fertilizer drawn forward osmosis process”,  Journal of Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, Vol. 18 (2016), pp. 717- 727, 10.1007/s10098-015-1042-6.
  10. Nasr, P. and Sewilam, H. ”Forward osmosis: an alternative sustainable technology and potential applications in water industry”,  Journal of Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, Vol. 17, Issue 7 (2015),  pp. 2079-2090. 10.1007/s10098-015-0927-8.
  11. Nasr, P.  and Sewilam, H. “The potential of groundwater desalination using forward osmosis for irrigation in Egypt”,  Journal Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, Vol. 17, Issue 7 (2015), pp. 1883-1895, 10.1007/s10098-015-0902-4.
  12. Sewilam, H., McCormack, O., Mader, M. et al. (2015): “Introducing education for sustainable development into Egyptian schools”,  Journal of Environment Development and Sustainability , Volume 17, Issue 2  (2015), pp. 221–238, doi:10.1007/s10668-014-9597-7
  13. Sewilam, H. et.al. Rule-Based Decision Support System for the Morphological Rehabilitation of Watercourses, International Journal of Water Resources Management, Vol. 21 (2007), p. 2037, DOI 10.1007/s11269-007-9157-0.
  14. Breuer, R. Sewilam, H. Nacken, H. “SeCom2.0-Teaching and Learning in Flood Risk Management by means of Serious Games”, Journal/ Hydrologie und Wasserbewirtschaftung Vol. 59, Issue 1 (2015), pp. 37-38.