Green farmland now stretches across parts of Egypt’s Western Desert, a region once covered by sand and rocks. This change is the result of deep water wells drilled by China’s Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC). These wells now support the growth of wheat, alfalfa, and potatoes under the desert sun.
The project is part of Egypt’s national effort to reclaim desert land for agriculture. It also reflects international cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which supports sustainable development and food security in arid countries like Egypt.
Egypt faces the challenge of feeding over 100 million people, with only 4 percent of its land being naturally fertile. To address this, the government has expanded farmland efforts since 2015, with a strong focus on water resources. ZPEC has played a major role by drilling over 680 wells across Egypt, from the Sinai Peninsula to the far south in Aswan.
In the Owainat region, ZPEC has drilled 63 wells, each about 450 meters deep, within a year. The work faced tough conditions such as heat, sandstorms, and rocky ground. Still, the first wheat harvest from this area is now complete.
Egypt consumes a large amount of wheat per person and depends heavily on imports. In Owainat, one feddan (0.42 hectares) can now produce about three tons of wheat. That’s enough to feed at least 20 people for a year, according to project estimates.
ZPEC is also working in Minya Province, 360 kilometers south of Cairo, with Canal Sugar Company, a joint Egypt-UAE venture. There, the focus is on growing sugar beets for a nearby refinery. The area’s groundwater layer is unstable, making drilling difficult. To solve this, ZPEC used air foam drilling, a technique that keeps wells stable and improves safety and efficiency. This method was also shared with local companies.
In 2023, the Canal Sugar farm used 193 ZPEC-drilled wells to irrigate 22,000 feddans of sugar beets. These crops were processed and sold across the country.
Beyond agriculture, the project has helped local workers gain new skills and jobs. Egyptian employees have been trained and promoted, strengthening the partnership between Chinese and Egyptian teams.
Experts say these projects support Egypt’s food security, job growth, and economic stability. They are also part of a wider Belt and Road strategy that includes projects like a new business district in Egypt’s capital, a textile city in Sadat City, and the TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Zone in Ain Sokhna.
China is becoming a trusted development partner in Egypt. With access to Chinese technology in energy, electric vehicles, and manufacturing, many believe this cooperation will lead to major improvements in daily life and national growth.
