Egypt has sealed a financing agreement with Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the fourth tranche of support for Cairo Metro Line 4, according to the Ministry of Transport and official sources.
The agreement, signed by Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir and Ebisawa Yo, Chief Representative of JICA Egypt, will help fund Phase 1 of the 46.5 km line, which runs from 6th of October City to El Fustat in central Cairo. Under the terms, the Japanese ODA loan carries a 0.75% interest rate, a 40-year repayment period, and a 10-year grace period.
The funding will support the procurement of rolling stock, and development of electrical, mechanical, signaling, and communications systems. The National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) is designated as the executing agency.
The project is slated for completion and commencement of operations by March 2030.
Officials describe Metro Line 4 as one of Egypt’s key green and sustainable transport investments, enhancing connectivity across Greater Cairo and supporting tourism by linking dense urban districts with heritage zones such as Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
When complete, the line is expected to carry ~1.5 million passengers daily, helping to relieve congestion in Greater Cairo. The program is being rolled out in four phases:
Phase 1: 19 km (Hadayek El Ashgar ➝ El Fustat)
Phase 2: ~31.8 km via Nasr City / El Rehab
Phase 3: ~16.3 km toward 6th of October City
Phase 4: ~38.7 km linking El Rehab to Capital Airport Station, with integration to the Light Rail Transit (LRT).
The agreement falls under JICA’s Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP), which encourages use of Japanese systems, technology, and rolling stock.
