[imtringued]

There are probably some plants that grow better in Egypt than any other place. "Comparative advantage" makes you eternally dependent on the benevolence of other nations because wheat is more important than dates. The idea that Egypt has the same negotiating power as the wheat exporting nations is laughable.

In principle, one could attempt a afforestation project in Africa and it would pay dividends over centuries, but the current system doesn't reward longevity or sustainability.