Education

A new pay system for teachers is in the works: The education and finance ministries are working on a new package of financial incentives for public school teachers, alongside tougher requirements for their private school peers, aiming to attract talent to the state education system and raise its quality.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)Egypt faces a shortage of around 469k teachers, Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif estimates. The new system will raise teacher pay fairly across the board, a government source told EnterpriseAM, adding that the executive regulations to last month’s new Education Act are currently being drafted.What will the new system entail? The framework will hike teachers' wages and introduce performance-based incentives tied to strict evaluation criteria, the source told us, stressing that it aims to close the gap between supply and demand and build a skilled workforce. The new Education Act also tasks the prime minister with designing a comprehensive incentive scheme and establishes a special performance bonus for outstanding teachers — capped at 10% of staff per district each year — subject to cabinet approval.A stopgap raise this year: Teacher compensation has already been raised 57% in FY 2025-2026 through bonuses and allowances, pending the new system, the source said. Spending on teaching bonuses nearly doubled to EGP 5.6 bn, while the pre-university development allowance rose to EGP 4.3 bn, according to official budget data seen by EnterpriseAM. However, the performance bonus fell to EGP 10.1 bn from EGP 11.0 bn. The Finance Ministry also issued a decision raising the complementary teacher incentive by 30% to EGP 2.1k a month, up from EGP 1.5k.Curbing private tutoring: In return for the higher pay, the state plans to crack down on private tutoring, giving the minister or the relevant governor the authority to refer teachers to investigation if found giving private lessons or committing disciplinary violations, with penalties ranging from warnings to dismissal. Teachers will also receive a 50% base-salary allowance and an accreditation bonus that varies by seniority once they meet hiring conditions.Wages take priority over capex: The education budget for the current fiscal year stands at EGP 315 bn; EGP 214.7 bn of which is earmarked for teacher and staff pay. Public investment allocations fell to just EGP 60 bn, with the state leaning on private-sector participation to fill the gap.Teachers see hope, but problems remain: The prospect of a comprehensive wage overhaul has been met with support among educators, Khaled Anani, head of the teachers’ syndicate in El Saff Education Administration, told EnterpriseAM. He stressed that better pay is a must for retaining teachers, many of whom have left for better offers abroad or to teach in private schools or private tutoring centers. This exodus, he said, has undermined state curriculum reform. Major challenges remain: Teachers’ incentives are still calculated against 2014 base salaries, while penalties are deducted against current pay — and retirement pensions remain low, according to Anani. He added that exam bonuses have also been cut from around EGP 7k to EGP 4.1k under the state’s payroll system.Private schools face new mandates: The Education Ministry has also mandated private schools to adhere to the official minimum wage for all teaching and administrative staff. The cost burden will be heavy, especially for mid-tier schools that make up the bulk of the sector, Association of Private School Owners in Egypt head Badawi Allam told EnterpriseAM. He called for phased fee increases to help schools comply, suggesting a two-year rollout. Allam said the minister has emphasized the importance of raising private school teacher pay to safeguard education quality, while investors are asking for incentives to support demand in the sector.Your top education stories for the week:Six local universities ranked among the world’s top 1k in Shanghai’s 2025 ARWU index, led by Cairo University in the 401-500 bracket. Alexandria University, Ain Shams University, Mansoura University, Al Azhar University, and Zagazig University also made the cut. (Statement)The Education Development Fund launched Egypt’s first diploma program to train teachers on Japan’s educational model Tokkatsu. Starting next academic year, the joint program with local universities and Japan’s Fukui University will offer dual certification and hands-on training in Egyptian-Japanese schools. (Statement)Cairo and Sohag universities will both launch a bachelor’s in banking sciences starting in the academic year 2025-26, under partnership agreements with the Central Bank’s Egyptian Banking Institute. The program is the first of its kind in Egypt and is designed to build a pipeline of banking talent nationwide. (Statement)

ENERGY- The Oil Ministry will launch a gas exploration tender in the Red Sea this September, Asharq Business, citing an unnamed senior government official. Four major areas will be offered in the tender for international companies to look for gas in the Red Sea. The ministry will also offer bidding companies incentives to encourage the exploration and drilling of unexplored areas, the source said.REMEMBER- The new tender comes on the heels of oil and gas giant Shell and its partners’ withdrawal from their two Egyptian Red Sea exploration blocks in March of this year, followed by Chevron’s exit in April from its block — the last active exploration block in the Red Sea.EDUCATION-The EFG Foundation for Social Development has launched the EFG Hermes Applied Technology School for Agri-tech in Luxor, marking Egypt’s first applied technology school specializing in climate-smart agriculture, according to a statement (pdf) from the foundation. The school — in partnership with the Education Ministry — aims to graduate 225 students over three years, equipping them for employment and entrepreneurship. The details: The school will offer a three-year program, starting with 75 students aged 14-18, to train youth in sustainable farming, agri-waste recycling, composting, and smart farming technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics. The curriculum, designed with public and private partners using a competency-based education model, focuses on green technical skills, entrepreneurship, and language proficiency. What they said: “This school reflects our commitment to empowering young people with the capabilities to thrive in a changing world. By investing in applied, future-ready education, we’re laying the groundwork for a generation of climate-conscious agricultural professionals who can lead Egypt’s green transition,” said EFG Foundation CEO Hanaa Helmy.CAPITAL MARKETS-Sodic has asked the EGX to halt trading on its shares starting tomorrow until the EGX's securities registration committee approves the listing of shares from a capital increase resulting from a merger with seven other companies, according to a disclosure (pdf). The real estate developer received the green light from the General Authority for Investment and Freezones to proceed with the plan to merge seven of its subsidiaries into the company last May.The developer submitted documents to the EGX yesterday to increase its issued and paid-up capital from EGP 1.4 bn to EGP 5.15 bn, distributed over 1.28 bn shares at a par value of EGP 4 per share. The company also intends to raise its authorized capital from EGP 2.8 bn to EGP 25 bn and amend the company's purpose as a result of the merger-based restructuring.INVESTMENT WATCH-Modern Sport FC plans to build an EGP 800 mn stadium in the current fiscal year, CEO Haytham Orabi told Al Borsa. The club is mulling a 7.1k sqm plot in Sixth of October City for the stadium, which will have a capacity for 16-25k spectators — that can be expanded to 27k in the future. The Sports Ministry will support the construction of the stadium with EGP 250 mn.

The Central Bank of Egypt said last week that it’s rolling out a first-of-its-kind bachelor’s program in banking sciences in partnership with the Higher Education Ministry and the Supreme Council of Universities. The degree — to be offered by selected universities and institutes to high school graduates — aims to arm students with specialist knowledge, practical skills, and ethical foundations to succeed in an industry being reshaped by rapid digital transformation and mounting economic pressures.The program is the product of a strategic tie-up between the CBE, the Higher Education Ministry, and the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI). The partnership blends academic know-how with real-world banking expertise to deliver a curriculum tailored to the sector’s evolving needs, ensuring graduates are up to speed with global industry trends and ready to meet future challenges. CBE Governor Hassan Abdalla called the move a strategic, long-term investment in the sector’s future, saying it will help build a pipeline of highly qualified bankers and support economic growth.The program will launch in the 2025-2026 academic year at faculties of commerce in several universities — including Ain Shams University, Cairo University, Alexandria University, Helwan University, and Galala University — with plans for a broader rollout over the following years. The move follows the Supreme Council of Universities’ approval in May 2025 of a unified curriculum for the degree, which will be taught in English and follow a credit-hour system.Courses will cover financial inclusion, digital banking and fintech fundamentals, risk management, advanced banking regulations, sustainable banking, and ESG standards, Abdalla said. Students will get intensive training and practical case study work in cooperation with Egyptian banks, ensuring graduates leave with both academic credentials and on-the-ground experience. They will also graduate with accredited professional certificates alongside their bachelor’s degree to boost their employability, Supreme Council of Universities Secretary-General Mostafa Refaat said. The program responds to shifting labor market needs and aligns with the state’s higher education strategy, Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour said. It is designed to train young people in the skills most in demand in financial services and banking.Unlike existing commerce degrees, the new banking sciences program will feature weekly in-bank training and a full year of practical work before graduation. The curriculum adds AI to core subjects like fintech and financial inclusion, and will be taught using innovative, interdisciplinary methods. Students will also get financial support to pursue global professional credentials such as the CFA, alongside modules on ethics and sustainable finance — areas often overlooked in traditional programs.The program will be taught in English and follow a credit-hour system to ensure its curriculum meets international benchmarks, Supreme Council of Universities Secretary-General Mostafa Refaat said. EBI Executive Director Abdel Aziz Nosseir added that it will blend theory and practice, with courses delivered by experienced banking professionals alongside top faculty members from participating universities.Through the EBI, the CBE already operates training programs and fixed centers at Nahda University, Deraya University, Alexandria University, and Cairo University, and has signed 14 agreements with other universities nationwide to provide student training.

CIRA Education has acquired a 51% stake in L’École Française d’Hurghada, marking its first foray into the Red Sea’s international education market, the EGX-listed education provider said in a statement (pdf). The French school’s founder Bouchra Cherkaoui will retain the remaining 49% stake and remain actively involved in its development.What’s CIRA planning? CIRA will introduce a German section starting September under its SIS brand — the first German curriculum offering in Hurghada — with 160 students already enrolled from kindergarten through Grade 12. What’s next? CIRA Education is also planning to launch an American English stream soon to address the increasing demand for international education in Hurghada. What they said: “At CIRA, we’re committed to delivering quality education where it’s needed most, and Hurghada represents an exciting, underserved geography for us. By introducing German and American tracks alongside the existing French program, we’re creating a richer, more inclusive academic environment for families in the region,” CEO Mohamed El Kalla said.

RENEWABLES- Infinity Power ink agreements for landmark solar projects in Côte d'Ivoire: Our friends at Infinity Power have signed two concession agreements with the government of Côte d'Ivoire to build two solar plants with a total capacity of 80 MW in Touba and Laboa, the company said in a press release (pdf). The agreements, part of the World Bank’s Scaling Solar initiative, mark Infinity Power’s first collaboration with Côte d'Ivoire and are set to supply electricity to over 400k people. The projects also include the construction of 17 km of transmission lines to connect the plants to the national grid.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)What they said: “Being entrusted with projects of this importance demonstrates our ability to deliver on Africa’s energy potential. These solar plants will not just bring affordable electricity to hundreds of thousands of people but will also empower communities, strengthen infrastructure, and accelerate the country’s progress toward a decarbonised future, ” said Chairman Mohamed Mansour. M&A-Middle East Glass Manufacturing’s board approved the merging of three of its subsidiaries into the company, the company said in a disclosure (pdf) to the EGX. The proposal to absorb Misr Glass Manufacturing, MEG Misr for Glass, and Middle East Glass Containers-Sadat will be presented to the general assembly for approval. REAL ESTATE- Madinet Masr launched its EGP 90 bn New Heliopolis development Talala, the local real estate player said in a statement (pdf). The development is expected to bring in EGP 202 bn in sales, with units delivered within 4 and a half years.What they said: “The project reflects Madinet Masr’s strategy in building integrated and sustainable urban communities according to the highest standards of quality and luxury,” said CEO Abdallah Sallam.across several sectors in the local market, according to an EGX disclosure (pdf). EDUCATION-Five new applied tech schools for pharma industry incoming: The government will establish five applied technology schools specialized in pharma and healthcare under a new cooperation protocol signed yesterday by the health and education ministries, the Egyptian Drug Authority, and an Italian pharma tech school, according to a statement. The schools — set to open their doors in the 2025-2026 academic year — will offer dual certifications combining local technical diplomas and international training credentials. DEBT-Raya Holding For Financial Investments’ subsidiary Raya Integration has secured a EGP 1 bn integrated credit facility from Midbank, which will be used to fund its growth plans, in addition to supporting its digital transformation and technological efforts

A package of incentives is currently being studied to attract more investors to establish private technological universities, Technological Education Council head Ahmed El Gioshy told EnterpriseAM. Egypt currently has 12 technological universities and has given approval to establish five new local tech-focused universities and two international universities, El Gioshy said. (Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)What kind of incentives? The incentive package for the private sector will likely include land partnerships, tax incentives, golden licenses, and investment facilities, El Gioshy said. This initiative will require legislative amendments to the law governing the establishment of technological universities, in order to include provisions for these incentives. The Supreme Council of Universities has in principle approved the establishment of five new technological universities branching from existing public universities. These include Banha Technological University, Menoufia Technological University, Sohag Technological University, Suez Technological University, and Arish Technological University, we were told.Technological education is vital to support labor market needs due to significant developments in industry and technology and their importance to the country’s economy, El Gioshy said. “Therefore, we have a plan to expand the number of new technological universities, link them with industrial zones, and form local and international partnerships with specialized universities and various industrial zones as part of a plan to expand this type of education,” El Gioshy said.Enrolment in technological education has grown recently, El Gioshy said. The country now has 30k students in existing tech universities, compared to 15k last year, and the council is working on a plan to attract more students to this field, he explained.And there’s real interest and movement from investors, according to El Gioshy. The government has already received three offers to open private tech universities, in addition to Elsewedy University of Technology and Saxony Egypt University (SEU). The state's plan includes establishing a technological university in every governorate in Egypt, in addition to establishing private tech universities.The offers are being examined to see whether the new universities will have an industrial partner, which is a condition for approval to ensure universities serve nearby industries, the El Gioshy said.Currently, land availability is one of the biggest obstacles to university expansion, El Gioshy explained. However, this challenge is being addressed by strategically locating new institutions near industrial zones. Several ministries have proposed leveraging their own assets through partnerships to establish private technological universities, which would generate returns for those entities, El Gioshy added. For example, state-affiliated players in the cotton industry in Mahalla and Kafr El Zayat have offered to utilize their land to develop new universities in collaboration with investors or development partners — without placing a burden on the state budget. Government entities are studying career prospects for technological university graduates, El Gioshy said. This includes efforts by the Central Agency for Organization and Administration to develop a structured plan for career paths and salary grades tailored to these graduates. The plan also involves organizing recruitment competitions to attract more talent to this emerging career path.The curricula for technological colleges were designed based on needs in specific specializations. This was done by collaborating with several ministries to determine the needs of the job market and the industrial sector. Reports from the International Organization for Migration on job opportunities in various countries and the global demand for skilled labor were also reviewed, along with international forecasts for future labor market needs. Additionally, efforts to integrate technological education with pre-university education were examined. Partnerships will continue between local and technological universities as well as prestigious academic institutions to exchange expertise, skills, and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, El Gioshy said, adding that the sector will see development through significant international support from German and Italian entities.

🤝 For many, summer means mornings by the beach and late nights out, but for students stuck in Cairo waiting for the next semester to kick off, ways to fill time can run out fast. If you haven’t already landed a summer internship, volunteering for your local community is one way you can get out of the house, be positively productive, and add a little shine to your resume. Whether the cause is environmental or humanitarian, here’s where to volunteer this summer and give back to your community. HELP CLEAN UP THE NILE- If environmental harm is something that keeps you up at night, you might want to lend VeryNile a helping hand. Based in the small island of Qursaya just off the Nile’s riverbank, it is a rural haven right in the heart of Giza.True to its name, the initiative focuses on sustainability of the Nile ecosystem, boasting an impressive 454 tons of plastic removed from the Nile, all thanks to the hard work of 180 local fishermen. VeryNile is by and for the local community, providing jobs to local Nile communities as well as equipping them with necessary training and literacy programs. Their work doesn’t stop at waste collection, partnering with local artisans to produce original upcycled and recycled products. HOW TO VOLUNTEER- VeryNile is open for volunteer group cleanups for groups of 15 and more. Reach out to the initiative through Instagram or keep an eye on their social media platforms for announcements about volunteer openings.HELP EDUCATE CHILDREN-In response to the ongoing tragedies in Gaza, Ahfad Al Zaytoun was founded to help Gazan children in Cairo through post-traumatic recovery. The program focuses on supporting K-12 and fostering a safe environment where they can grow emotionally and intellectually. The heart of this work involves building loving and nurturing relationships with the children and instilling in them a sense of stability and belonging through heartfelt connection. Volunteers often describe the experience as deeply eye-opening and fulfilling. HOW TO VOLUNTEER- If you have a knack for teaching, Ahfad Al Zaytoun is open for volunteers to teach a range of subjects at any level. To register as a volunteer, head to their website.CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT- #1- One of many social development initiatives in Egypt, Caritas is a multipurpose organization that supports underprivileged individuals. Since 1967, Caritas has been serving various parts of Egypt from Alexandria to Aswan, promoting inclusion and women empowerment, and providing refugee support.Volunteers are never not in demand at Caritas. You can offer help through one of their many strategic programs: child care and protection, women and girls empowerment, youth and leadership, disability inclusion and rehabilitation, microloan and economic empowerment, refuge and migration, and more.HOW TO VOLUNTEER-You can sign up through their volunteer form. #2- Run by volunteers — and the first of its kind in the Middle East — Share a Smile supports orphans and youth in need, and boasts several medical and food programs. They support over 5k orphans quarterly and deliver 250k meals annually. Share a Smile stands out for its unique volunteer program, complete with training and education. The initiative has ongoing collaborations with 14 NGOs in Egypt, and has earned the support of over 10k volunteers.HOW TO VOLUNTEER- You can join Share a Smile by filling out this volunteer form. HELP TAKE CARE OF SOME FURRY FRIENDS-At the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals (ESMA), over 2k animals are treated with the utmost care and attention. Formed in 2007, the charity is a leading advocate for animal welfare and currently serves as the Chair of the Federation of Animal Welfare in Egypt. It operates as both a shelter and an adoption center, housing dogs, cats, and donkeys. Most of their animals are rescued from the streets, usually victims of violence, abuse, and neglect. ESMA is more than happy to welcome volunteers. You can contribute by simply spending time with the animals or helping with some grooming or tidying up around the shelter. If you’re a seasoned pet parent, your help would be greatly needed in temporarily taking in some of the animals as a foster parent or as a flight parent for animals flying outside of Egypt. Love animals but not the mess? You can still help by donating. HOW TO VOLUNTEER- You can visit their website for more details on how to help. Stay updated with ESMA by following their Facebook page. CAN’T VOLUNTEER? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP-If you can’t physically help out, you can still support in other ways. If you’re short on time, check out this bite-sized guide to giving back to see where and how you can make a difference with minimal interruption to your routine. Want to incorporate more healthy, sustainable habits into your day? Read up on our sustainability guide.

University tuition fees are on the rise: Private and international universities have raised their tuition fees for the 2025-2026 academic year for thousands of students, even as the supply of total university seats grows y-o-y. The number of universities in Egypt has grown to 116 this year, up from 108 last year, offering some 1.1k faculties nationwide, according to official data. Even as more universities join the pool, private universities are seeing growing demand as several students either failed to secure high Thanaweya Amma grades or are seeking the quality and prestige associated with private universities. (Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)Private institutions are reporting a surge in applications this year, driven by lower average Thanaweya Amma grades and families rushing to secure spots outside the state-run system, several private university heads told EnterpriseAM. One university head said his school received 900 applications within two hours of Thanaweya Amma results being announced, forcing staff to work overtime to process the large volume of applications. Parents are increasingly choosing private institutions for their perceived higher quality and the chance to earn international and dual degrees, university heads suggest. That demand is putting pressure on application systems and admission teams, our sources said.Competitive landscape + higher quality = higher fees: Private and international universities have raised tuition fees across the board for the new academic year, citing improvements in service quality and a competitive landscape that drives up standards — and prices. The Higher Education Ministry does not intervene in pricing, which reflects growing competition among institutions, university heads told EnterpriseAM.A snapshot of the private university space: There are currently 24 accredited private universities in Egypt, each of which sets its own internal admission thresholds. The Higher Education Ministry sets the minimum scores required for entry but does not regulate fees. Egypt is also home to several international universities operating under global agreements, including the American University in Cairo, Senghor University, the German University in El Gouna, the Arab Open University in Cairo, and ESLSCA University Egypt.Here’s a look at what private university students will be paying this academic year:Coventry University: GBP 3.8k–7.1k, depending on the program;University of London (Egypt): EGP 320k–380k, up from EGP 260k–300k last year;University of East London: EGP 270k–315k for physiotherapy and design, up from EGP 240k–275k;University of Hertfordshire (Egypt): EGP 340k for medical sciences, nutrition, and creative arts (up from EGP 275k). AI programs will run EGP 335k (up from EGP 280k);University of Central Lancashire: EGP 270k–330k for engineering, up from EGP 230k–270k;ESLSCA University Egypt: EGP 223k for business programs (up from EGP 180k), digital tech programs will cost EGP 174k + EUR 1.5k (up from EGP 160k + EUR 1k), Visual arts will cost EGP 164k + EUR 1.5k + USD 300;University of Prince Edward Island (Egypt): EGP 270k–315k for sustainable energy and engineering, up from EGP 115k–135k;French University in Egypt: EGP 175k for engineering (up from EGP 135k), EGP 156k for business (up from EGP 125k), and EGP 126k for applied languages (up from EGP 115k);British University in Egypt: EGP 330k for dentistry and EGP 210k for pharmacy;Badya University: EGP 349k for medicine, EGP 329k for dentistry, and EGP 249k for physiotherapy, computer science, and business;Badr University (medical tracks): EGP 230k for medical programs (up from EGP 208k), EGP 187k for dentistry (up from EGP 155k), and EGP 115k for pharmacy (up from EGP 107k).We’re making more room for international students: The Central Administration for International Students' Affairs has lowered the minimum acceptance thresholds at private and nonprofit universities to 58% for medical majors and 55% for other majors, according to Al Ahram. At public universities, those minimums remain higher at 75% for medical programs and 70% for other fields. The policy change is expected to boost international admissions this year, according to our sources.REMEMBER- The Higher Education Ministry is targeting USD 2 bn in annual revenues from foreign students, as well as an increase in international students enrolled in Egyptian universities to 200k by 2030, compared to 30k in the last academic year. Arab students in particular are choosing Egypt for university due to the perceived quality of education, head of the Central Administration for International Students' Affairs Ayman Farid said.Foreign high school diploma holders have an edge: Students with international qualifications are expected to make up more than 20% of new intakes at some private universities this year, a private university source told EnterpriseAM. These students typically outperform others on admission tests required by many private institutions, the source added.

Japan’s Kosen model is coming to Egypt: The Education Ministry will launch the first Japanese Kosen technical institute this fall, with backing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Technological Education Ahmed El Gioushi told EnterpriseAM. The program will bring Japan’s “education for employment” model to Egypt, aiming to address the country’s shortage of skilled technical labor and support its industrial ambitions.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)The details: Our first Kosen institute, developed in cooperation between the Egyptian and Japanese governments, will open its doors at the Tenth of Ramadan’s Productivity and Vocational Training Department. The project is being coordinated by the Education Ministry, the Higher Education Ministry, and the cabinet’s Education Development Fund.About the program: It is “a five-year higher education institution where students can enroll from the age of 15 after graduating from junior high school, in order to foster engineers in high demand by society,” according to its official website. The program trains students in robotics, mechatronics, AI, green energy, solar panels, and microchips. The first three years focus on math, physics, and applied sciences, while the final two years involve hands-on training at industrial facilities. Who’s eligible? Students who pass preparatory schools in the 2024-2025 academic year can apply for the Kosen program. The first cohort will include 320 students, with those selected to be announced in August.A fully integrated approach: The Kosen institute is part of a broader plan to upgrade Egypt’s engineering and industrial training ecosystem. It will also help prepare Egypt’s workforce for new global compliance rules, including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which requires cleaner industrial production for export by 2027.A launchpad for university: Students who complete the program will be eligible to transfer directly to Egypt’s technological universities at the third-year level or apply to engineering and computer science faculties, giving them a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. According to the Education Ministry, this is expected to boost long-term employment outcomes.Private sector partnerships are essential: The Education Ministry has signed 40 agreements with major private-sector companies to help manage and operate vocational training centers and hire graduates — ensuring alignment with labor market needs. Demand is already strong: Over 50% of students who completed their preparatory education in 2024 have expressed interest in technical education tracks, a government source told EnterpriseAM. That’s a sign of shifting attitudes toward vocational education, traditionally viewed as a second-choice option.Inspired by Don Bosco — with a Japanese twist: Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif said the Kosen project is comparable to Egypt’s Don Bosco model in collaboration with Italy — both are designed to offer advanced, hands-on vocational training that meets international standards. The Kosen institute represents Japan’s first foray into exporting this education model to the Middle East.More global partnerships in the pipeline: The Education Ministry is planning future collaborations with Germany to launch dual-education programs that combine classroom learning with factory training. The goal is to make Egypt a regional hub for high-quality technical education that supports both economic growth and foreign investment.Part of a bigger plan: The Education Ministry wants to grow the number of applied technology schools to 420 by 2030, serving up to 130K students — compared to around 40K students last academic year. The government’s investment plan includes the construction of 536 new technical classrooms, the renovation of 902 others, and the development of 10 new applied technology schools — with strong incentives for private-sector participation.What’s next? Depending on how the first Konsen institute performs, we could see more pop up across Egypt. The program’s tuition and curriculum structures are still being finalized. While it will initially attract a limited number of students, demand is expected to grow once the model proves successful, as it has in Japan, El Gioushi noted. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for scaling up the model nationwide and become a key pillar of Egypt’s strategy to boost employment, industrial capacity, and compliance with global trade standards.Your top education stories for the week:CIRA to up its stake in CAED: CIRA Education submitted an MTO earlier this month to up its stake in EGX-listed subsidiary Cairo for Educational Services (CAED) to up to 90% from the current 69.4%.EPP has two schools in the pipeline: The Egypt Education Platform (EEP) plans to open the doors to the GEMS International School in Somabay by September 2026 and the UK’s Batford school in Alexandria the following year.

M&A activity saw a strong start to the year, with industry leaders including our friends at Fawry, Hassan Allam, CIRA, and Taqa Araba driving the momentum and local corporates actively reshaping their portfolios. The first half brought major consolidation moves across fintech, ins., education, and energy — setting a dynamic tone for 2H. IN FINTECH-Fintech giant Fawry was easily the most acquisitive firm in 1H, kicking off its spree in February with the acquisition of a majority stake in local hospital and medical institutions manager Code Zone. That was quickly followed by a 56% stake in SME-focused financial services provider Virtual CFO, and a 51% stake in ERP software firm Dirac Systems. The moves — worth a combined EGP 80 mn — are part of the launch of Fawry Business, a platform offering digital transformation tools for SMEs and large enterprises.Elsewhere in fintech: Basata upped its stake in Jordan’s MadfoatCom to 25%, part of its broader play to expand regionally and potentially raise its holding to 49%. EFG Finance exited its 51% stake in PayTabs Egypt in March, selling it to Saudi parent PayTabs Global as part of a portfolio streamlining effort. EDUCATION-CIRA Education submitted an MTO (pdf) earlier this month to up its stake in EGX-listed subsidiary Cairo for Educational Services (CAED). CIRA is looking to increase its stake in CAED to up to 90% from the current 69.4%. CIRA is looking to snap an additional 20.6% of its subsidiary — represented in 2.5 mn shares — at an initial price tag of EGP 32.7 per share. CIRA plans to keep CAED listed on the exchange if the MTO goes through. INS.- The ins sector also saw heightened M&A interest, with a major bid from Morocco’s Wafa Assurance to acquire up to 100% of the Egypt Kuwait Holding subsidiary Delta Ins. The bid values the insurer at around EGP 5 bn. Wafa is looking to take Delta Ins. private, with plans to delist the company from the EGX. In June, insur-tech broker Bringy acquired healthtech startup HealthTag, which provides affordable medical access to the uninsured — a strategic move aimed at deepening Bringy’s footprint across the MENA region. CROSS-BORDER TRANSACTIONS-In June, Hassan Allam Utilities secured regulatory approval to acquire a 30% stake in Acwa Power Luxor, a local subsidiary of the Saudi renewables player. In May, Elsewedy Electric acquired a 60% stake in Dubai-based Thomassen Service, which includes Middle East and Africa operations, filters manufacturing, and an African business unit. The transaction marked Elsewedy’s entry into oil and gas services as it looks to diversify its energy portfolio. DIDN’T MAKE IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE-Arla foods still has Domty on its radar: Danish dairy giant Arla Foods delayed submitting a mandatory tender offer (MTO) to acquire EGX-listed Domty in April, citing its inability to complete legal, financial, and technical due diligence while Domty proceeded with a spin-off. Arla emphasized that the deal is on hold, not off the table.In March, Dice scrapped plans to acquire Twin Top for Real Estate Investment, citing pricing disagreements. WHAT’S NEXT?Looking ahead, consumer finance appears to be poised to take the lead in 2H with Al Ahly Capital and our friends at Taqa Arabia both hinting at transactions in the pipeline, signaling continued dealflow in sectors ripe for scale and integration. If the first six months are any indicator, 2025 could be one of the busiest M&A years in recent memory.

A look into the EEP’s future: The Egypt Education Platform (EEP) — a joint venture set up in 2018 between our friends at EFG Holding, the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE), GEMS Educational Global and other investors — plans to open the doors to the GEMS International School in Somabay by September 2026 and the UK’s Batford school in Alexandria the following year, CEO Ahmed Wahby told Asharq Business (watch, runtime: 3:52). (Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)Part of a bigger plan: EEP aims to add 5k students and 2-3 schools to its portfolio every year, Wahby said. “The investment amount differs depending on the method — management, acquisition, building, or partnership.” We had an idea this was coming: Wahby told us last year that the platform plans to set up two new schools in Alexandria and Somabay by September 2025. At the time, he told us that the platform intends to raise its investments to EGP 3 bn over the next three years, building on the EGP 1.5 bn already invested in the Egyptian market since its inception in 2018.The road ahead: “We are more focused on partnerships — meaning we have developers who take care of setting up the schools and we work with them through either rentals or management agreements,” he said. “This is our strategy for the coming period. We believe this is the way forward for the rapid growth journey we are after.” AND- The Saudi Education Fund (SEF) — which is managed by the EEP — will take over the management of four existing schools in Riyadh starting September 2026 and build two new schools — one in East Riyadh and another in the north of the city — slated to begin operations in September 2027.REMEMBER- The SEF is a USD 300 mn investment vehicle launched by our friends at EFG Hermes in late 2024. The fund aims to build a world-class K-12 operator in the Kingdom, capitalizing on rising demand for private education. Spark Egypt for Training and Development, led by the EEP team, is managing the fund’s activities.More to come: “Just like we did in Egypt, we want to build a hub in the Kingdom. We see great potential there … and from there we can expand into other markets in the Gulf and beyond,” he said.

Why girls’ education is more than just the right thing to do: Investing in female education doesn’t just empower women — it lifts entire economies. That’s the takeaway from a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report, which argues female education is one of the most powerful tools for driving long-term productivity and inclusive growth. The global case is clear — but in Egypt, the picture remains more complex, shaped by uneven progress, shifting attitudes, and structural challenges.What the GDP math tells us: The WEF cites World Bank estimates suggesting that achieving universal secondary education for girls could add USD 15-30 tn in lifetime productivity and earnings to global GDP. Education has accounted for around half of all economic growth over the past three decades, and closing the gender gap in access to education is essential to making that growth inclusive and sustainable, the report notes.The impact goes far beyond the macro: Girls who complete secondary education are significantly less likely to become child brides, more likely more likely to raise healthier families, and better positioned to lift their communities out of poverty and pass those gains on to future generations.A looming crisis in parts of Africa: The report warns that in many parts of Africa, particularly in rural communities, progress in girls’ education has stalled. In South Sudan, Just one in ten girls finish primary school, with around 40% of girls who drop out of school citing early pregnancy or marriage as the reason. The consequences of exclusion are steep: nine in ten children in Africa are unable to read a simple sentence by age 10 — a situation the WEF describes as “an economic catastrophe.”What the data says about Egypt: The number of female dropouts in primary school in Egypt between the academic years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 was 0.2%, in comparison to 0.3% for males, according to Capmas’ Annual Bulletin of Pre-university Education for the Academic 2023/2-24. But that trend reverses at the preparatory level, where girls’ dropout rate climbs to 0.7%, compared to 0.6% for boys.What’s working across the continent: Cost-effective education models built around technology, structured lesson plans, and targeted teacher training are making a difference. In countries like Kenya and Sierra Leone, mobile and radio-based accelerated education programs have helped bring out-of-school girls back into the classroom. This model proved vital during the pandemic and may hold long-term potential for remote and underserved areas.What the Egyptian government is seeing: The Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) reviewed the WEF’s report and echoed many of its conclusions. In a follow-up public opinion survey, 55% of respondents said they believe families give equal priority to girls’ and boys’ education. The results skew by gender: 60% of women agree, versus 51% of men.The government is stepping up efforts to curb school dropouts, with a focus on girls in villages and Upper Egypt. The Education Ministry is rolling out stricter attendance tracking, expanding access to classrooms, and working to address a shortage of teachers to help keep students in school, a ministry source told EnterpriseAM.A push to diversify technical fields and offer vocational training will help girls complete their education by developing their skills, boosting their economic prospects, and supporting growth in their villages, the source added. These efforts are already bearing fruit. The nationwide dropout rate fell to 1.87% in 2022, down from 4.12% in 2015, according to data from the ministry’s Information Center.This signals that while perceptions of gender equality are improving, gaps persist — particularly in rural and underserved areas. The government has yet to lay out a clear policy roadmap, but its endorsement of the WEF report indicates growing interest in tackling the issue as part of broader efforts to unlock Egypt’s demographic and economic potential.One idea under consideration: Legislation that would put in place clearer guidelines to support girls' continued participation in education and economic life and criminalize school dropouts, — one that sets controls “over their participation in economic life in the desired way,” the source said.A strong link between population growth and girl’s education remains highly relevant: The success of the National Family Development Program, launched four years ago by the Planning and Economic Ministry, marks a significant transformation compared to previous efforts to reduce population growth, Director of the Demographic Center at the Planning Ministry Amira Tawadros told EnterpriseAM. Integrated work across ministries and agencies helped raise awareness about women’s health and economic empowerment, especially since the poorest families tend to have the highest birth rates.Aid distributed to families on the condition of girls’ school attendance has led to a decline in birth rates, and therefore leading to a decrease in early marriage rates, she added. The digital platform linked to the initiative indicating awareness of women’s economic empowerment, and reducing their desire to have more children, Tawadros noted.

MPs approved in principle cabinet-proposed amendments to the Education Law after the House Education Committee proposed some fresh amendments, which are set to shake up the sector for students, parents, and teachers alike. REFRESHER- The Madbouly government submitted a draft law to the House last month, seeking to amend the Education Law. The amendments would, if passed, expand vocational training, keep Thanaweya Amma as a three‑year track, and introduce new pathways.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)Clarification of the baccalaureate system: The draft law includes defined guidelines for the baccalaureate system, which was previously only briefly mentioned in the government’s notes. This aims to give students a full and complete picture of the system and enable them to efficiently choose between enrolling in the Thanaweya Amma or baccalaureate systems. The amendments emphasize that the baccalaureate is optional, free, and three years in duration. REMEMBER- The Education Committee previously approved amendments to the Education Law to introduce a new baccalaureate system that will run alongside Thanaweya Amma.Coursework submitted throughout the year is now a part of the final grade: A percentage of annual coursework — not exceeding 20% — is now mandated for students in the final stage of basic education. This move aims to eliminate student absenteeism.Free education is still a core idea in the draft law, as it states that the government’s power to raise exam fees for retakes has been limited. Any fees outlined in the government's proposed draft law have also been reduced and capped at a maximum limit.The draft law stipulates that university admissions must take into account the number of students applying from each secondary education system, aiming to ensure equality and equal chance among all students, especially those from the Thanaweya Amma and baccalaureate systems.DIVE DEEPER- We broke down the details of cabinet-proposed amendments to the Education Law in a Blackboard published last month. Check out the story here.HOUSE GREENLIGHTS MINING DRAFT LAW- The House approves minerals contract: The House approved a draft law allowing the Oil Ministry to contract the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority and Centamin to exploit gold ore and other minerals in the Sukkari region, where the LSE-listed gold miner currently operates the Sukkari Gold Mine — Egypt’s largest. The authority and Centamin will have the right to exploit the area for up to 30 years.

A British medical university is setting up shop in Egypt: The UK’s NHMC Egypt-focused healthcare arm NHMC Medical Services is launching Egypt’s first accredited British medical school in partnership with the UK’s Aston University. The college is part of a new EGP 15 bn medical education project in East Cairo.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)The details: The university, developed in collaboration with Aljar Development, will be part of a 24-feddan integrated medical city in the Aljar British District. The college will grant fully accredited British degrees from Aston University, making it the first of its kind to operate in Egypt and offering an alternative to studying abroad at a lower cost with equal academic quality. The campus will offer high-end student and faculty housing, alongside integrated facilities including gyms, restaurants, banks, and retail centers to create a full-service living and learning environment.Who’s funding the project? NHMC will fully finance the medical city project, including the university, using a combination of bank financing and the company’s own resources.REMEMBER- Aljar Development and NHMC unveiled the 46 acre project in the Aljar British District in May, set to include hotel and residential units, a 24-acre medical city, commercial and administrative spaces, and an educational zone. They announced that construction had begun for the British medical school and delivery is expected within three years.We first heard about this last year: The project was first announced in February 2024, with NHMC’s local arm inking an agreement with the New Urban Communities Authority to build a USD 300 mn integrated medical-educational city.Aston is replacing Buckingham: The original plan was to partner with the University of Buckingham to launch the region’s first British colleges of medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy, as well as Buckingham’s first teaching and private hospital in the Middle East and Africa. NHMC has since opted to move forward with the higher-ranked public Aston University instead.About the NHMC partnership: NHMC is the project’s primary owner and is responsible for designing, building, and operating the medical city, including the academic side. Aljar will only handle the residential and commercial development, NHMC Chairman and UK Cheshire County Royal Deputy Nasser Fouad told EnterpriseAM. This is NHMC’s first international experience in establishing universities or educational zones, despite managing hospitals and education institutions in the UK for over 30 years. The plan is to start in Egypt and expand regionally afterward.A big step for regional medical education: The project "marks the beginning of a new era in medical education and healthcare in the Middle East," Fouad said, adding that the school will offer advanced medical and health sciences programs to train internationally qualified professionals and help position Egypt as a hub for medical tourism. The project aims to deliver a comprehensive health-education model that makes quality British medical education more accessible to students in Egypt and abroad, Aljar founder and MP Ahmed Abdel Meguid said. UK Ambassador to Cairo Gareth Bayley said that “the initiative strengthens the strategic partnership between Egypt and the UK in education and healthcare.”When can we expect the launch? Aston University Egypt is expected to open its doors in September 2027, with the first intake being for the medical program before gradually expanding into other disciplines in subsequent phases.Why Aston University? Aston will deliver authentic British education in Egypt, giving students the chance to study to international standards without having to travel, Fouad told EnterpriseAM. It will follow the full British academic model and is accredited by the UK’s General Medical Council, enabling its graduates to practice medicine in the UK directly with internationally recognized credentials, he added.What’s the plan? The university will focus on medicine and nursing in its first phase, with plans to add more disciplines later. All programs will be aligned with British standards and designed to meet local and regional labor market needs. The campus will have capacity for 7k students, starting with an initial intake of around 200 medical students. NHMC also plans to open additional Aston campuses across Egypt and regional branches later on, targeting international students from Arab and African countries.More plans in the pipeline: NHMC is currently studying the possibility of listing parts of the project on the EGX or launching an education-focused investment fund, though no final decision has been made, Fouad said.

The 2025 UNICON Directors’ Conference, hosted by Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC), brought together over 90 leaders from 29 countries to reimagine the future of executive education. Representatives from globally renowned institutions, including Stanford, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, and Yale, gathered in Cairo for three days of transformative discussions held across AUC’s Tahrir Campus, the New Cairo Campus, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.UNICON 2025 created an essential space for addressing the key questions shaping the future of executive education: How can artificial intelligence (AI) enhance learning while maintaining the human connection? How can business schools design programs that balance global expertise with local relevance? What role do partnerships play in scaling impact?Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the conference. Participants emphasized how partnerships can amplify the reach and impact of executive education. Real-world examples, such as programs co-created with industry leaders, demonstrated how collaboration can address organizational and societal challenges alike.Another key focus was the transformative role of technology. Sessions explored how AI is reshaping executive education, from improving program design to increasing learner engagement. Participants also emphasized the importance of ethical governance and maintaining the human element in leadership development, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces human creativity.The discussions also highlighted the importance of localization in program design. In culturally diverse regions like the Middle East and Africa, tailoring programs to address specific market needs is critical.The conference showcased the role of executive education as a driver of innovation. Institutions were encouraged to think beyond traditional models, leveraging tools like data analytics, AI, and leadership frameworks such as The GC Index to deliver personalized and impactful learning experiences.“This conference was a call to action,” said Sherif Kamel, Professor and Dean of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business. “It challenged us to think differently, collaborate more effectively and innovate continuously in how we prepare leaders for the complex challenges ahead.”Watch the highlights of the UNICON Directors’ Conference 2025 here.

The education system is in for some major changes as the Madbouly government moves ahead with amendments aimed at aligning schooling with labor market needs. The House of Representatives is reviewing cabinet-drafted amendments to the Education Law that would expand vocational training, keep Thanaweya Amma as a three‑year track, and introduce new pathways.The House of Representatives received the amendments yesterday, according to a statement. House Speaker Hanafi Gebali referred the bill to a joint committee between the education, budget, and constitutional affairs committees for review.BREAKING DOWN THE AMENDMENTS-#1- Keeping the Thanaweya Amma system as a three-year track, with religion studies, Arabic, and history as core subjects across all education stages.#2- A revamped vocational education system: The government plans to replace the current technical secondary education track with technical and technological secondary education — a three-year program aligned with university requirements. Advanced technical education will be replaced by advanced technological education, with a five-year curriculum.The amendments build on the government’s broader push to overhaul vocational education: The cabinet last month approved draft amendments introducing a vocational track as a third high school pathway alongside the science and arts tracks. The government also plans to establish 536 new technical classrooms, renovate 902 existing ones, and upgrade facilities to improve accessibility and training quality for vocational and technical students.#3- A new professional education track: The amendments introduce a vocational secondary education program lasting one or two years to prepare vocational workers. This track will not qualify students for university or higher institutes.#4- Technical education fees outlined: Fees for technical secondary education will not exceed EGP 1k, with retake fees capped at EGP 500 per subject. Evaluation exam fees in technical secondary schools can reach up to EGP 200, as set by the Education Minister.#5- Paid programs open new pathways: The amendments allow the government to set up integrated programs equivalent to Thanaweya Amma or technical secondary education. Students would pay up to EGP 1k in fees, with EGP 500 per subject for retakes — the fees could be doubled within set limits.#6- Retake rules: The amendments regulate retaking Thanaweya Amma courses in case of failure, specifying eligible subjects, retake limits, and exam timings. Retake fees will range from EGP 200 to 2k per subject.#7- Temporary fix for teacher shortages: To address the teacher shortage — the education system faces a deficit of 600k teachers — the amendments allow educators reaching retirement age during the academic year to continue working until year-end.WHY THESE CHANGES MATTER-Addressing the skilled labor gap: A government source told EnterpriseAM the new vocational track aims to supply Egypt’s labor market with industrial specializations needed for the country’s industrial development push. The source said the track will run alongside technical and technological education as part of broader pre-university reforms to equip students with academic and practical skills for future job market needs. The government aims to increase the industrial sector’s GDP contribution from 14% to 20% by 2030, creating 7-8 mn jobs. The source noted that the vocational track will help fill the gap in skilled technical labor, with ongoing partnerships with the private sector to support financing and training, alongside curriculum updates.Closing system gaps: Ain Shams University Professor at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction Hassan Shehata told EnterpriseAM that Egypt’s severe shortage of skilled labor drove the integration of vocational education into the industrial development strategy. The shift is designed to change the perception of technical education as a promising path with university prospects, boosting demand for it.These are not the only changes the education system is in for: The Education Ministry is planning to replace the Thanaweya Amma with a new baccalaureate system. The system would cut subjects from 32 to 7, introduce four specialization tracks, allow two grade re-takes, and align with international standards like the IB and IGCSE. It has already received cabinet sign-off and is now subject to community consultation. The new system is set to be rolled out for the 2027-2028 academic year once digital infrastructure is in place.DIVE DEEPER: We covered the ins and outs of the new system in a Blackboard published earlier this year.

Summer training initiatives are on the rise: The CIT Ministry is working to enhance technical training among students to better prepare them for the needs of the labor market. The upgraded summer training program for university students recently launched by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) plays a part in this initiative to position Egypt as a global hub for IT and cross-border services.The private sector is stepping up: The ministry has partnered with the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI) and Motorola distributor Systel to provide summer training for university students. This program aims to bridge the gap between education and market needs by offering specialized, comprehensive courses that align with the ICT industry. The government is aiming to make Egypt a go-to destination for international tech firms seeking expansion, which is already taking shape with the various tech companies investing in the country, ITIDA CEO Ahmed Elzaher told EnterpriseAM.DATA POINT- Over 760k graduates enter Egypt’s job market each year, including some 50k ICT grads, 171k who studied finance and accounting, and 21k grads in STEM-related fields, Elzaher said. Around 80% of the workforce speaks at least one foreign language, giving Egypt a competitive edge in global service delivery.Meeting market demand: The summer program was revamped to include 120 hours of training — 90 hours of technical instruction and 30 hours on soft skills to match the needs of employers. The program has also expanded to accommodate more students due to strong demand in previous years. Elzaher emphasized the significance of Egypt’s young talent as a competitive advantage, adding that upgrading the summer training initiatives ensures a workforce that can innovate and attract investments.What does the program offer? The training program covers a number of in-demand tracks — cybersecurity, software development, UI/UX design, AI and data analysis, cloud computing, systems administration, electronics, digital arts, and digital marketing.Who qualifies? Students coming from the faculties of engineering, computer science, business information systems, media, fine arts, applied arts, and art education are eligible to apply. The program is targeting some 10k students this year, with applicants also gaining access to discounted international certifications through NTI, reaching up to 70% off exam and certification fees.That’s not all: ITIDA and Systel are also offering a tech training program for 250 students, which includes 120 hours of training across two tracks — 90 hours of technical instruction in fiber optics, broadband communication, surveillance systems, and satellite communication and 30 hours of soft skills development. The program is free and open to university students across the country in their first, second, or third year.School students are not left out: The ministry also launched a summer training program under the Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative to boost younger students’ skills when it comes to digital technologies, initiative Executive Director Walid Al Engbawy told EnterpriseAM, adding that applications are now open. The details: The program is open to middle and high school students who scored over 90% in English, math, or science in the previous academic year. Those accepted into the program receive intensive training and a certificate, qualifying them for more advanced levels of the initiative. The ministry expects to expand the number of students enrolled this year, depending on application volume and partner capacity, Al Engbawy said.

DEBT- The European Parliament gave its final approval to the EU Commission's proposal to grant Egypt a EUR 4 bn loan, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. The decision was passed during a plenary session yesterday, with 386 out of 567 MEPs voting in favor. The funds got preliminary approval from the European Parliament in April.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)REMEMBER- We’ve been waiting for updates on the funds — part of a broader EUR 5 bn macro-financial assistance package agreed in March 2024 — since EU Ambassador to Cairo Angelina Eichhorst said last month that they could land in state coffers within weeks. What’s next? The European Council is expected to vote on the decision in the coming days, according to the statement.M&A WATCH-Local edtech startup iSchool expanded its KSA presence with the acquisition of Saudi-Egyptian Algoriza’s edtech arm Seeds, the AI and coding education platform said in a statement. “Seeds brings incredible local momentum, and together we’re able to unlock national impact at scale,” said iSchool CEO Muhammad Gawish. The value of the investment was not disclosed.REMEMBER- In late 2023, iSchool announced its plans to expand across the GCC — namely in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — with sub-Saharan Africa in the cards for 2025.RENEWABLES-The cabinet greenlit a proposal from China’s state-owned utility giant State Grid for two solar projects totaling 900 MW, according to a cabinet statement. The first project will be in the Minya governorate with a capacity of 500 MW, while the second will be located in the Al Wahat region, will hold a capacity of 400 MW. You may not have heard of them before, but State Grid is the world’s third largest company by revenue, behind only Walmart and Amazon.CAPITAL MARKETS-CI Capital Asset Management launched Egypt’s first ESG equity fund, which the firm calls Misr Green — Sustainability (ESG) Fund, it said in a statement (pdf). The fund will invest in sustainability-compliant EGX stocks and is the first ESG product to be made available through local banking platforms. The fund opened the subscription door yesterday.AVIATION-EgyptAir will purchase another six new A350-900 aircraft from French planemaker Airbus, upping its total order to 16, the national flag carrier said in a statement. Deliveries are expected to run from 2025 to the early 2030s, according to industry publication Air Guide.The company also purchased SIX additional Trent XWB-84 engines from British engine maker Rolls-Royce to power its six newly ordered aircrafts, according to a separate statement from the company. EgyptAir’s order for the engine now stands at 32 units.

The Finance Ministry is readying EGP 40 bn worth of public-private partnerships (PPP) within the next four months, the head of the ministry’s PPP unit Ater Hanoura told EnterpriseAM. The eight projects — currently equivalent to nearly USD 800 mn — include desalination plants, wastewater and industrial sewage treatment facilities, electricity substations, and waste recycling projects as part of the government’s broader efforts to expand private sector involvement in development initiatives, Hanoura added.Six projects are already open for bidding by both local and international investors, Hannoura added. These include power distribution stations, a sludge recycling plant in Abu Rawash, and wastewater treatment plants, with a combined investment value of EGP 19 bn. These six are part of a larger pipeline of 12 projects worth a total of EGP 61 bn. He noted that 4-8 companies have submitted prequalification applications for each of the current tenders, including both local and foreign firms operating in infrastructure.Hanoura had previously announced that the government plans to launch tenders worth USD 3.2 bn by the end of 2024. These include 15 desalination plants with a total cost of USD 3 bn, two of which — one in Dabaa and the other in El Hammam — will be tendered in 4Q 2024 at a combined value of USD 210 mn. The government also plans to launch a tender for a wastewater treatment plant in Sixth of October City worth USD 95 mn, an investor service center valued at USD 10 mn, and 22 schools nationwide at a total cost of USD 60 mn before year’s end.But PPPs to build schools are on pause until the Education Ministry finalizes land allocations, Hannoura told us, adding that the unit is ready to issue tenders as soon as suitable plots are secured. He clarified that delays to earlier PPP tenders were due to administrative reasons and unrelated to funding or investor appetite.

The state is turning the spotlight on technical agricultural education: The Education Ministry is working to upgrade the agricultural vocational education system through a comprehensive national strategy as it looks to position agriculture as a key engine of economic growth. The plan, which involves deeper private sector involvement, a curriculum overhaul, and infrastructure upgrades, seeks to cater to the needs of the labor market as part of this push.Agricultural schools are far outnumbered by their industrial peers: The country is home to 172 agricultural schools, compared to nearly 1k industrial and commercial technical schools, according to Education Ministry figures. Some 219.5k students are enrolled in agricultural schools, representing just 15% of all technical education students — including those in three-year programs, five-year schools, and the dual system Mubarak-Kohl schools. The country’s agricultural schools are staffed by around 11.6k teachers. In addition to these schools, there are two specialized agricultural institutes, one with 28k students, Ain Shams University Faculty of Agriculture Dean Ahmed Galal told EnterpriseAM.Private sector partnerships are a cornerstone of the strategy. The ministry is looking to partner with several private manufacturers within the sector to provide hands-on training to the students of agricultural schools, a source at the ministry told EnterpriseAM. The goal is to move beyond traditional academic instruction and offer on-site training at factories, where students can learn about production and processing as well as modern technologies such as smart agriculture systems.ICYMI- The education and agriculture ministries in December agreed to partner with Heliopolis University and a private agricultural firm to jointly develop agricultural technical schools and train students in different agricultural specializations. Private players are making headway: Elsewedy University of Technology (SUTech) and UAE-based Al Dahra’s local subsidiary Al Dahra Egypt are working on a joint initiative to train students enrolled in the university’s agricultural programs under an MoU inked by the pair last month. The partnership will see the two parties developing training programs, practical applications, and curricular and extracurricular activities.Curriculum and infrastructure upgrades are in the works: The ministry is currently working with experts from the Agricultural Research Center to update the curricula of agricultural technical schools, said a source at the ministry’s agricultural extension sector, which works to disseminate agricultural information. The comprehensive plan also includes infrastructurally transforming technical schools into smart schools that leverage modern agritech, the source said.Graduating business-savvy students is on the agenda, with the strategy seeking to encourage young graduates to establish business incubators in the agricultural sector, the source said.Developing agricultural education is of economic importance: The state's push to promote agriculture as a driving force for development and achieve food self-sufficiency has made agricultural education imperative, said Galal. Developing this educational sector is essential to raising agriculture's contribution to Egypt's GDP, he explained, pointing to countries whose economies are built on agriculture or livestock as models. And it could help lower the import bill: While Egypt has the world’s highest per-acre productivity for wheat and rice, it still imports 95% of its vegetable seeds, Galal said.Interest in agricultural education is rising: A growing number of young people are seeking to change career paths and learn agricultural skills, given the importance of agricultural investment, Galal noted.What’s next? Bridging the gap between education and the labor market will require stronger partnerships between vocational schools and agribusinesses, Galal said. He also emphasized the need for coursework focused on AI-powered farm management, smart irrigation, and digital agri-tech tools to keep pace with global trends.

At Onsi Sawiris School of Business Executive Education, The American University in Cairo, wespecialize in reskilling and upskilling individuals by designing customized business solutions and functional training to maximize impact and achieve organizational goals. Whether you're navigating leadership challenges, or enhancing organizational performance, our programs are tailored to meet your unique needs.Why Choose Us?Ranked among the top executive education providers worldwide (Financial Times).Expertise in diverse industries: banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.Proven success with Egypt’s leading organizations.Our Services Include:Leadership development and coachingTechnical and managerial skills trainingAssessment services for recruitment and promotionsTake the first step toward success today.📞 Call us at 15592Initiate a conversation with a business solutions advisorVisit: business.aucegypt.edu/execed/corporate-programs

At Onsi Sawiris School of Business Executive Education (ExecEd), The American University in Cairo, we specialize in reskilling and upskilling individuals by crafting tailored business solutions and functional training programs that drive tangible impact and achieve strategic organizational goals.In a rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead requires more than just conventional training. Whether you're navigating complex leadership challenges, or striving to boost organizational performance, our programs are designed to address your specific needs.Why Choose Us?Globally Recognized Excellence: Ranked among the top executive education providers worldwide (Financial Times).Cross-Industry Expertise: Deep industry knowledge in banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in transforming Egypt’s leading organizations.Our Services Include:Leadership development and coachingTechnical and managerial skills training Assessment services for recruitment and promotionsTake the First Step Towards Lasting Success:Call us today on 15592Click here for more information on ExecEd’s diverse range of training solutions programs.Get expert guidance from ExecEd’s business solutions advisors.

Welcome to the age of h(AI)gher education. With up to 70% of all skills utilized in jobs today set to change by 2030, according to Linkedin’s 2025 Work Change Report (pdf) because of AI advancements, many employees are at risk of redundancy — they can either adapt, or fall behind. As many begin familiarizing themselves with AI tools in an attempt to hold steady onto a constantly shifting career ladder swayed by the winds of AI advancement, business schools all around the world are taking note, integrating AI into their curricula, according to the Financial Times. Approximately 80% of business schools surveyed globally had integrated AI into their teaching by 4Q 2024 in some form or another, FT reported, citing a recent report (pdf) by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The annual report — covering 300 business schools across 40 countries, and focused on the latest trends impacting graduate programs — also notes that up to 40% of prospective business students say AI is essential to their ideal curriculum. And they seem to be on the right track, seeing as the ability to leverage AI appears to be among the top three skills that will grow more important over the next five years, according to GMAC survey of corporate recruiters (pdf). So how exactly is AI being integrated into business curricula? The most popular form of AI integration was the exploration of its role in society and business ethics, with a narrow majority of 44%. This is followed by courses that focus on the use of AI in business decision-making processes at 43%, integrating AI in hands-on experiences such as business simulations at 42%, with training in prompt-writing and utilizing AI in day-to-day tasks — perhaps surprisingly — being the least popular method in which AI has been integrated, at a relatively low 23%. It’s not just about the tools. As noted by the survey, the programs in which AI is integrated seem to focus less on mastering AI tools or delegating tasks to AI, and more on navigating its uses. FT writes that these programs seem to be designed to “produce strategically fluent leaders,” and “[combine] digital fluency with a human-centric perspective,” quoting academic professionals from business schools across the world.These schools are on the right track. FT’s interviewees all reached a general consensus — the role of education now and in the future is to set up young professionals with the ability to work hand-in-hand with artificial intelligence, rather than blindly delegate and offload. This is in line with figures published in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report (pdf), which estimated that — globally — one third of all tasks will be performed by technology, and one third by human-machine collaboration by 2030.

Vocational education is getting more attention: The government is ramping up its efforts to prepare students for the labor market and align education with its initiatives to support industrial development and attract foreign investment.The private sector is pushing this forward: Rising FDI inflows are largely driven by Egypt’s low-cost labor, strategic location, and various investment prospects. However, factories — particularly in tech, textiles, and engineering — are struggling to find trained workers as they prepare to begin production, a government source told EnterpriseAM. The high demand is encouraging the government to accelerate partnerships with the private sector to increase the supply of qualified labor.DATA POINT- Egypt has a labor force of around 33.4 mn people, most of whom are men, according to state statistics agency Capmas.High demand for skilled labor: International factories in Egypt — especially Turkish and Chinese factories — are looking for skilled technical workers and are offering competitive wages and incentives, member of the Tenth of Ramadan Investors Association Sayed El Barhmtouchy told EnterpriseAM. He stressed that Egypt must support local manufacturers and ensure a trained labor pool is available to help boost production. Skilled industrial workers often earn more than the national minimum wage, Federation of Egyptian Industries board member Mohamed El Bahy told us.A new vocational high school track: The cabinet approved amendments last month to the law governing pre-university education to introduce a third track for high schools students — vocational education — to accompany the science and arts tracks in a bid to meet labor market needs.The details: The new track will prioritize industrial fields that are currently underserved by the labor market, with a focus on manufacturing skills, a source at the Education Ministry told EnterpriseAM. The new track will last one to two years, after which graduates will directly enter the labor market. The track will play a critical role in bridging the skilled labor gap.Where things stand: The government is currently finalizing partnerships with the private sector for training and funding support and is updating its curricula accordingly. Efforts are also underway to launch this pathway at both the high school and university levels in cooperation with the private sector, according to our source. Under the new pathway, students will receive comprehensive career services, including career guidance, specialized training programs, and links to job offers.REMEMBER- The government aims to boost the industrial sector's contribution to the country’s GDP to 20% by 2030, up from the current 14%, double industrial sector employment to 7 mn, enhance workforce skills, and reduce unemployment.A new digital platform is up and running: The Higher Education Ministry has launched a national digital platform and seven university platforms to manage vocational tracks and bridge the gap between educational institutions and labor markets. The ministry is also looking to expand the Be Ready initiative to reach more students and universities.Be Ready is already making an impact: Be Ready has helped train some 2k students and place nearly 1.9k in decent jobs during its pilot phase. The program — developed in partnership with the International Labour Organization and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office — aims to bridge the education-employment gap through job fairs and employability skills training.The program is expanding: Be Ready’s second phase will offer training and job placement for another 2k students, with a focus on soft skills, English, and digital careers. The new phase will be funded by a USD 200k grant from the Dutch Embassy. Another phase focused on nursing is also underway in Upper Egypt in partnership with the Magdi Yacoub Foundation.Exporting skilled labor is also part of the plan: Egypt is now working to train workers for legal migration to industrialized countries, Education Development Fund Secretary General Rasha Sharaf told EnterpriseAM. Egypt is collaborating with German institutions to establish equivalencies between Egyptian and German vocational certificates, enabling students to work abroad, she said. Sharaf added that work is underway to identify skill shortages, finalize professional certificate requirements, and provide the language and technical training needed for students to qualify for jobs abroad.The latest efforts on that front: The Labor Ministry launched Mehany 2030 last year to train and qualify 1 mn young Egyptians for local and foreign vocational markets. According to the program’s website, it operates across all governorates and includes 150 vocational training and assessment centers, 500 trainers, 50 career tracks, and over 31k trainees. Tech skills are now a must: All those we spoke to agreed that demand for skilled labor is growing, especially with the increasing importance of tech literacy. They stressed the need for better integration between the various tracks to produce a workforce that is capable of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving job market.Your top education stories for the week:The Water Ministry is establishing technical vocational schools for irrigation technology to prepare and develop a specialized, technical workforce capable of filling needed technical positions in the coming years. (Statement) Raya Holding’s Raya Logistics and the College of International Transport and Logistics will establish advanced training programs to equip more people with the needed skills to fulfill labor market needs under an agreement inked between the two. (Mubasher)

At Onsi Sawiris School of Business Executive Education (ExecEd), The American University in Cairo, we specialize in reskilling and upskilling individuals by crafting tailored business solutions and functional training programs that drive tangible impact and achieve strategic organizational goals.In a rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead requires more than just conventional training. Whether you're navigating complex leadership challenges, or striving to boost organizational performance, our programs are designed to address your specific needs.Why Choose Us?Globally Recognized Excellence: Ranked among the top executive education providers worldwide (Financial Times).Cross-Industry Expertise: Deep industry knowledge in banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in transforming Egypt’s leading organizations.Our Services Include:Leadership development and coachingTechnical and managerial skills training Assessment services for recruitment and promotionsTake the First Step Towards Lasting Success:Call us today on 15592Click here for more information on our diverse range of training solutions programs.Get expert guidance from our business solutions advisors.