Business
Eco Nubia: a model for reviving Egypt’s heritage while preserving the environment
The ecolodge, consisting of nine rooms built from granite and mud, also has facilities for a wide range of activities, including kayaking and swimming, sightseeing and Nubian craft markets
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 29, 2023/APO Group/ —
Located within a short distance from the famous Aswan Dam, the Temple of Philae, on the islet of Aguilkya, immerses visitors in the history of ancient Egypt. Dedicated to the protective goddess Isis, its bas-reliefs and murals make it an exquisite sanctuary in the country
Aboard his small motorboat, Ahmed Yehia sails serenely towards this treasure of Egyptian heritage, nestled in the heart of the ancient Nubian lands.
“Just next door, I discovered Bigeh, a magical island, abandoned by its inhabitants several years before. I wanted to help revamp and repopulate it while creating value in a sustainable way,” says Yehia, the founder-manager of Eco Nubia, the first ecolodge in Aswan.
Relaunched in January 2018, the project received support from the “Tanmia wa Tatweer,” Egypt’s Entrepreneurship Development initiative funded by the Danish-Arab Partnership Program and implemented by the African Development Bank. It aims to revive the Nubian culture and create a new ecotourism place in Egypt, serving local and international customers. Using natural materials from several regions of the country, the revival of Bigeh has created jobs for the local community.
“In partnership with the Nubian community, we have put Bigeh on the map of Egyptian ecotourism,” says Yehia. Open all year round, the fully equipped lodge overlooks the temple of Philae. It has a banquet room and a restaurant that serves traditional Nubian cuisine based on organic products grown on-site.
The ecolodge, consisting of nine rooms built from granite and mud, also has facilities for a wide range of activities, including kayaking and swimming, sightseeing and Nubian craft markets.
Owners of the facility have built a community center and workstations for eco-friendly Nubian crafts and have created new jobs for about 50 Nubian families, including women
Eco Nubia has brought the abandoned island back to life. The facility now employs about 30 people, a third of them women. Since 2018, five Nubian houses have been rebuilt and furnished in the Nubian tradition. An integrated network of electricity, water and sewerage has also been created for the islanders to suit the environment.
The facility has attracted tourists globally. It has won commendation from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism for its outstanding achievements in sustainable development. The ecolodge has attracted local and international media, including the American channel CNN which devoted a special program to it.
“Our own farm produces what we consume,” says Ahmed Yehia.
Owners of the facility have built a community center and workstations for eco-friendly Nubian crafts and have created new jobs for about 50 Nubian families, including women. With an area of 80 square meters, the community center was built according to the principles of Nubian architecture. It is now enthroned on top of a small mountain in order to have a panoramic view of the surroundings, which carry within them a part of the history of ancient Nubia.
“We also want to help the people of Bigeh rebuild their homes using traditional materials and the same ancient techniques of Nubian architecture, while preserving the island’s natural environment,” Ahmed Yehia says.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Events
As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation
Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.
Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.
The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.
“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.
“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.
Key challenges driving the debate
Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:
This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy
Global Realignment & New Partnerships
How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.
Financing Africa’s Future
The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.
Strategic Value Chains
Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.
Digital Transformation & Technology
Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.
The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.
Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
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