CAIRO, October 2025 — Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Egypt’s infrastructure development through a major loan agreement dedicated to expanding the Cairo Metro network. The initiative, led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), underscores Japan’s strategic engagement in Africa’s urban growth and the deepening of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Under the agreement, JICA will extend $654 million in financing for the first phase of Cairo Metro Line 4. The loan carries highly favorable terms a 0.75% annual interest rate, a 40-year repayment period, and a 10-year grace period designed to ensure sustainable development outcomes. The project will cover the construction of a 19-kilometer segment with 17 stations, linking central Cairo with 6th of October City, and will include a new tram service to improve multimodal connectivity.

Japanese companies Kinki Sharyo and Mitsubishi Corporation have been awarded contracts to supply 184 train cars between 2025 and 2028, ensuring that the expansion integrates advanced, reliable, and energy-efficient Japanese rail technology. The partnership reflects Japan’s emphasis on quality infrastructure, safety, and innovation.

This financing marks the fourth tranche within a broader $3.8 billion development program, reflecting Tokyo’s sustained confidence in Egypt’s economic potential and commitment to long-term cooperation. The project is expected to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and stimulate urban productivity, helping Cairo evolve into a more sustainable and connected metropolis.

By combining Japanese technical expertise with Egypt’s ambitious development agenda, the Cairo Metro Line 4 expansion stands as a model for international collaboration in sustainable urban transport, setting new benchmarks for comfort, safety, and efficiency in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.

Source: Railway Supply