Sudan has formally requested Egypt’s expertise to help establish a new administrative capital, as Khartoum looks to leverage Cairo’s experience in large scale urban development amid ongoing political and security challenges.
The request was made by Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris during official talks in Cairo with his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly. The discussions followed a separate meeting between Idris and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who reiterated Egypt’s support for Sudan’s stability and formal state institutions.
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, Egypt welcomed Sudan’s request to benefit from its experience in developing a new administrative city. Cairo has in recent years overseen the construction of its own New Administrative Capital east of the capital, a flagship infrastructure project designed to ease congestion in Greater Cairo and modernise government operations.
Sudan’s proposal to build a new administrative centre comes as the country grapples with prolonged conflict and institutional strain. Relocating or redesigning the administrative core is seen by some policymakers as part of a broader reconstruction and state rebuilding strategy. The move is also framed as an opportunity to incorporate modern infrastructure, digital governance systems and improved service delivery mechanisms into the foundations of public administration.
The Cairo talks also addressed the ongoing crisis in Sudan, with Egypt reaffirming what it described as red lines concerning the preservation of Sudan’s territorial integrity and national institutions. The joint statement underscored Egypt’s backing of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, the government led by Idris and the regular armed forces, describing them as essential pillars for restoring order and maintaining state continuity.
Beyond urban planning, the discussions expanded to include economic cooperation and post conflict reconstruction. Egypt signalled its willingness to assist in rebuilding efforts, particularly in infrastructure, electricity and water sectors. Both sides agreed to activate a joint task force focused on coordinating reconstruction programmes and accelerating implementation.
Water security featured prominently in the dialogue, reflecting longstanding tensions over the Nile River. Sudan and Egypt, both downstream nations, reiterated their commitment to the 1959 Nile waters agreement, which allocates river flows between the two countries. They also expressed opposition to unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin that could affect their water interests.
In this context, the leaders again called on Ethiopia to align with international legal principles regarding the management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The dam, estimated at about $4 billion and located near the Sudanese border, has been a central source of diplomatic tension between Addis Ababa, Khartoum and Cairo. Despite years of negotiations, differences remain over the filling schedule and long term operational framework of the project.
For Sudan, seeking Egyptian expertise in urban development is both symbolic and strategic. It signals an intent to stabilise governance structures while deepening bilateral ties with Cairo at a time of regional uncertainty. Whether the proposed administrative capital advances from concept to construction will depend on security conditions, financing arrangements and sustained political coordination between the two governments.
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