El-Sisi reviews vision to turn Egypt into global hub for research, innovation

CAIRO – 31 May 2026: Egypt is seeking to position itself as a regional and international hub for higher education, scientific research, and innovation, the Presidency affirmed on Sunday.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reviewed this vision and action plan, led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Higher Education Minister Abdel Aziz Konsowa.

The vision is aimed at establishing a knowledge-based economy and attracting students and researchers from around the world.

The president stressed the importance of continuing to develop higher education and research as a key pillar for human development and sustainable growth, while enhancing universities’ role in training and skills development to meet labor market needs.

Minister Konsowa said Egypt now has 129 universities, including public, private, national, technological, and special nature universities, as well as foreign campuses.

 

The meeting also reviewed efforts to build the capacity of faculty members and improve the quality of academic and administrative performance.

The minister noted the establishment of an executive committee to oversee the implementation of an enterprise resource management automation project, aimed at accelerating comprehensive automation and digital transformation across the administrative system.

He also mentioned that work is underway to develop a comprehensive plan for improving the performance of faculty development centers in line with modern requirements and the needs of faculty trainees.

The president directed attention toward strengthening partnerships and cooperation with leading international universities and institutions to benefit from their expertise in enhancing the quality of higher education and scientific research.

Discussions also covered linking research to industry and the knowledge economy.

The minister clarified that the main objective is to transform academic research into marketable products and services and support innovation and entrepreneurship.

He emphasized promoting the concept of technology valleys, developing incentive systems for researchers and faculty members, and strengthening the connection between research and industry.

El-Sisi also followed up on the executive status of health-sector projects under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Konsowa offered a briefing on several healthcare projects that have recently been inaugurated, including development projects at the main hospital of Alexandria University.

He also highlighted upgrades to units at Al-Mouwasat Hospital, modernization of operating rooms and endoscopy units at El-Shatby University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the establishment of a branch of Cairo University in Eritrea.

'Exporting Egyptian Education'

Moreover, the president followed up on efforts to export Egyptian education through the development of a system for selecting leading universities, targeting countries and regions of the greatest strategic and political significance, while expanding joint programs with highly ranked international universities, and hosting academic programs through partnership arrangements.

Konsowa stated that a committee of university experts has been formed to oversee implementation.

He also noted that work is underway to conclude an agreement establishing a financing institution in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt to fund student scholarships, enabling students to obtain dual degrees in partnership with prestigious international universities.

El-Sisi reiterated the importance of strengthening higher education partnerships and establishing foreign university branches through a modern model of cross-border cooperation.

The president also asserted reinforcing institutional partnerships aimed at building national capacities, maximizing economic returns, and improving international rankings.

He further directed to move forward with enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian universities at both the regional and international levels and to support scientific research and innovation.