Sisi reviews higher education, innovation plans – Egyptian Gazette

Egypt is seeking to further boost its position as a regional centre for higher education, scientific research and innovation through an ambitious strategy focused on modernising universities, expanding international partnerships and linking academic research to economic development.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi discussed the strategy on Sunday during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdelaziz Konsowa, as part of broader efforts to build a knowledge-based economy and attract students and researchers from around the world.

Egypt currently has 129 universities, including public, private, national, technological and foreign university branches¸Konsowa said.

President Sisi stressed the importance of carrying on withmodernising the higher education system as a key pillar in building human capital and achieving sustainable development, while ensuring universities equip graduates with skills that meet labour market demands.

The discussions also covered faculty development and digital transformation, including the formation of an executive committee tasked with overseeing the digitisation of administrative systems and enhancing training centres for faculty members.

The president also reviewed plans to strengthen links between scientific research and industry by transforming academic studies into marketable products and services, encouraging innovation and establishing technology parks.

Healthcare projects were also discussed, including upgrades at Alexandria University Hospital, Al-Mowasat Hospital and Al-Shatby University Hospital, as well as plans to establish a branch of Cairo University in Eritrea.

The meeting further addressed efforts to export Egyptian education through expanded partnerships with leading international universities, the launch of joint academic programmes and the establishment of a financing institution in cooperation with the Central Bank to support scholarships for dual-degree programmes.

President Sisi underscored the importance of strengthening international partnerships, attracting foreign university branches and enhancing Egypt’s global competitiveness in higher education and scientific research.

He directed officials to continue efforts aimed at boosting innovation, improving international rankings and maximisingthe economic contribution of the education sector.