Education

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.

EFG Hermes-backed K-12 operator Spark Education Platform (SEP) is expanding its presence in the Gulf with a strategic partnership with GEMS Education's school advisory initiative First School Management (FSM) to launch GEMS-branded schools in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, according to a joint statement (pdf). This marks the first intellectual property agreement under FSM's global advisory initiative.The details: FSM will provide advisory and operational support to SEP, which currently operates four schools in Saudi Arabia with a total capacity exceeding 10k+ students and plans to expand to 20 schools with 20k enrolled students across the GCC over the next five years.What they said: "After our great success story in Egypt, I am honored to expand our partnership with First School Management into Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as key GCC markets with significant demand for new high-quality K-12 education capacities," Co-CEO of EFG Hermes Karim Moussa said.REFRESHER- SEP is backed by the USD 300 mn Saudi Education Fund, which was launched in November 2024 by our friends at EFG Hermes. SEF plans to deploy its capital over the next three years, with a primary focus on the Kingdom, alongside its ventures in the UAE and Bahrain.

The ICT Ministry’s Digilians Initiative dominated the airwaves last night after it was the main talking point during a meeting between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and ICT Minister Amr Talaat. The initiative will launch in September and aims to train 10k people of different backgrounds free of charge on technical, personal, linguistic, life, and leadership skills on an annual basis. The initiative will cost EGP 3 bn in its first year and EGP 1 bn annually after that, Talaat told Yahduth Fi Masr’s Sherif Amer (watch, runtime: 11:50). Ala Masouleety’s Ahmed Moussa also has coverage (watch, runtime: 10:48). (Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

The Education Ministry is in final talks to tap Cambridge University Press and Assessments as its new curricula partner in a long-term push to align the country’s school system with international standards and better prepare students for foreign universities. The move would see Cambridge University Press and Assessments replace UK-based publisher Longman, whose four-year contract under Pearson Education to develop and write textbooks has come to an end. The ministry also plans to cancel its agreements with Discovery Education and York Press, adopting Cambridge’s skill-based learning materials instead, a government source told EnterpriseAM.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)Talks are currently in their final stages between the Education Ministry and Cambridge over a potential agreement to roll out skill-based, advanced curricula as part of a broader shift to the baccalaureate system and efforts to better align education with the labor market, an Education Ministry official told EnterpriseAM. While the decision has yet to be formally announced, the official expressed confidence that the partnership will go through, framing it as a turning point for curriculum reform in Egypt.REFRESHER- The Education Ministry is planning to replace the Thanaweya Amma with a new baccalaureate system starting the next academic year. 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.Why Cambridge? Bringing Egyptian curricula in line with international standards is a national and societal imperative, educational researcher Hassan Shehata told EnterpriseAM. He described the agreement with Cambridge as a “qualitative leap” for pre-university education, shifting students away from rote memorization and toward a system that builds critical thinking, analysis, open-mindedness, and cultural awareness.The new Cambridge-developed curricula are designed to align with the planned baccalaureate system and pave the way for a twinning model with UK schools at the pre-university level, Shehata added. The move is expected to attract investment to the education sector and raise overall quality by overhauling not just English curricula, but also core subjects like math, science, and life sciences.The shift to Cambridge-aligned curricula could also help bridge the gap between pre-university and higher education by embedding critical thinking, research, and applied learning into the classroom — skills increasingly demanded by both local and international universities, Shehata told us.The current push aims to broaden access to the widely respected and in-demand British education system, which has long been popular among families who can afford to enroll their children in international schools offering Cambridge-accredited IGCSE certificates, the source said. The Education Ministry now aims to accredit more than 200 official international schools and upgrade both public school curricula and language programs in private schools to reflect Cambridge standards.A growing number of international schools now offer Egyptian certificates accredited by Cambridge, alongside the state-run Nile International Schools, which also follow the Cambridge framework. Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif met with Cambridge officials in February to renew and expand the partnership as the British system remains central to many schools’ curricula, exam models, and IGCSE offerings.Private schools have yet to receive official instructions on whether they will be required to adopt the new Cambridge-aligned curricula, a school head told EnterpriseAM. For now, the English-language Connect curriculum — rolled out in 2018 under the Education 2.0 initiative — remains in use. The ministry is expected to clarify soon whether the new system will extend to private education institutions amid an ongoing debate over the role of national versus international standards in curriculum design.Before Connect and Discovery materials were mandated, many private schools already used content from Cambridge, Oxford, and Macmillan, tailored to their educational models and designed to keep pace with international schools, according to the school head. “We were in serious competition with international education,” the source said, adding that the shift to Connect has weakened students’ language acquisition.The move could help revive private sector interest in K-12 education, which has waned in recent years, according to the source. Giving private schools more flexibility in terms of curriculum selection — similar to international schools — would raise academic standards and meet rising demand from parents shifting their children to British-style education, the source added. Your top education stories for the week:The cabinet approved draft amendments to add vocational education as a third track for high school students alongside the existing science and arts tracks in a bid to meet labor market needs. (Cabinet statement)Tatweer Misr is renegotiating its agreement with New Jersey Institute of Technology to revive the stalled Bloomfields education zone, aiming to boost student intake and expand academic offerings. The company will also seek fresh investors to help finance the project. (Al Mal)The University of East London and East Capital University inked an MoU to establish an integrated educational complex offering programs that address future job market needs and build scientific research bridges between Egypt and the UK. (Cabinet statement)

CIRA Education now has until early July to submit its mandatory tender offer (MTO) to up its stake in EGX-listed subsidiary Cairo for Educational Services (CAED) after the Financial Regulatory Authority granted it a 30-working-day extension starting 21 May, the authority said in a statement (pdf). REMEMBER- 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 30 per share, putting the total transaction value at some EGP 74.2 mn by our math. CIRA plans to keep CAED listed on the exchange if the MTO goes through.IN OTHER M&A NEWS-#1- EGX-listed Ajwa Group is planning to take control of Saudi logistics firm Atco by acquiring a 70% stake through a share swap, the company’s Chairman Ahmed Tarek told Asharq Business. Not Ajwa’s first logistics venture in the Kingdom: Ajwa already owns Saudi-based Ajwa Port Services, and acquiring a majority stake in Atco is likely to achieve operational and cost synergies, giving the buyer a stronger hold in the Saudi market.Ajwa loves the Kingdom: Ajwa is set to open branches in the Kingdom within the next few months, Tarek said. #2- Elite Financial Consulting is preparing two healthcare companies for upcoming acquisitions and is currently conducting their fair value assessments, Amwal Al Ghad reports citing Elite’s Vice Chairman Tamer Hussein. One of the companies is a major orthopedic surgery hospital, while the other is a general multispecialty hospital, Hussien said.

Another busy Wednesday at the cabinet: The Madbouly cabinet approved a number of decisions during its weekly meeting yesterday. Among the most significant are: #1- More incentives for energy players: Cabinet agreed to implement the R-Factor mechanism in specific oil agreements and approved amendments to two exploration agreements in the Mediterranean for the Cairo and Masry offshore concession areas between Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and ExxonMobil to apply the R-Factor system.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)R-Factor? It is a contractual mechanism that is used to determine the revenue breakdown from an oil or gas project between an foreign oil player and the government. It is a more flexible mechanism than the usual fixed profit share and shares the risk between the government and foreign oil players — under the mechanism, the government receives a larger share of the revenue the more the project proves successful. The new system is expected to encourage companies to invest in untapped areas in the Mediterranean, the cabinet statement read. REMEMBER- The Oil Ministry has been offering new incentives to energy players that include increasing production sharing ratios with foreign companies in exchange for new investments, enhancing exploration efforts, and increasing extraction rates, with the aim of boosting local production.#2- Fresh auto incentives: The cabinet approved a new incentives program to support local car manufacturing. The new program raises the value-added metric to 60%, increases local industrial content to over 35%, boost annual production volume to 100k vehicles, encourages production of eco-friendly vehicles, and supports factories in priority development zones. Exporters will get extra perks and companies that exceed targets will receive additional incentives. You heard it here first: EnterpriseAM reported earlier this month that the government is putting together new incentive criteria and additional benefits for automakers participating in the Automotive Industry Development Program in a bid to boost local component rates. #3- Vocational education for high schoolers: The cabinet approved draft amendments 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. #4- A bunch of new unis are coming to life: The cabinet approved draft presidential decrees to establish the private Egyptian-Chinese University, Orouba University in New Mansoura, and Masr El Gedida University in 6th of October City.ALSO DURING THE CABINET MEETING- Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib presented the revamped export subsidy program to run until the fiscal year 2027-2028, under which exporters will receive 50% of their overdue dues in cash over four years, with the rest offset against liabilities. Under the new program, subsidy disbursements will be made in no more than 90 days and will be paid in full without tax deductions. The program, which would have an annual budget of EGP 45 bn, tailors support to each sector’s needs, starting with engineering and chemicals.

GSM is setting up shop in Egypt through a new partnership with Uptown 6 October: Uptown 6 October for Educational Investment and Development — a subsidiary of property developer Uptown 6 October — entered a strategic partnership with global K-12 school operator GSM, which is backed by Saudi investment fund Safanad, under which GSM will step foot into the local market, the companies announced at a press conference attended by EnterpriseAM last week. We spoke with key stakeholders from both sides to learn more about the project, their future plans, and what makes Egypt’s education sector attractive to foreign investors.(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)The goal: The partnership aims to launch a high-end international school within the Uptown 6 October development in West Cairo, with total investments exceeding EGP 1.3 bn. Uptown Chairman Moataz Shaarawy said the project reflects both partners’ commitment to delivering a world-class learning model that meets the aspirations of future generations and raises the quality of international education in Egypt. The school will integrate advanced edtech while remaining rooted in local culture, said Uptown’s education trustees head Mohamed El Ghor. GSM’s successful track record in Africa, the GCC, the US, and Europe has allowed it to reshape teaching and education management models across its markets, he added.The first school under the partnership is slated to open in the 2027-2028 academic year, head of the Higher Education Ministry’s Supreme Council of Private Universities’ El Ghor told EnterpriseAM. The school will be built on a 14.3k sqm plot, with a built-up area of 20k sqm and a capacity of up to 1.7k students across 70 tech-enabled classrooms. The campus will feature science and tech labs, performing arts studios, athletic facilities, and collaborative learning spaces, “ensuring an inclusive educational environment that meets top international standards,” El Ghor said.Who’s funding the project? The project will be self financed, Shaarawy told us. Why GSM? The school will follow the British curriculum, offering British baccalaureate qualifications and modern tech-forward teaching methods that preserve Egyptian culture while balancing strong literacy in English and Arabic, with a focus on math and science, El Ghor told us. GSM’s strength lies in its holistic approach to school operations, teacher development, and pedagogy. “They don’t just teach a curriculum — they treat each student as a 12-year journey,” El Ghor said. GSM delivers 15k hours of student development to each student, covering academics, character building, values, and national heritage. “Ultimately, we will probably learn more from Egypt about the future of education than Egypt will learn from us,” GSM Vice Chair Ralph Tabberer said.Teacher training: GSM is known for its robust international teacher development programs. The model helps Egyptian teachers refine their skills and stay focused on teaching, without being distracted by side gigs like private tutoring.More to come: “This school is only the first step in a broader roadmap to establish multiple institutions in Uptown 6 October and beyond,” said Uptown 6 October Chairman Ahmed Abou Zeid. The partnership plans to expand into other locations, including East Cairo and Upper Egypt, with future rollout tied to land availability and demand for international education in new communities, El Ghor told us.There are also plans to set up an American university: Uptown 6 October is looking into launching two international universities — specializing in business administration and medical sciences — in partnership with GSM, Shaarawy told us.Uptown 6 October plans to enter the e-learnings and applied learning spheres in cooperation with GSM, Shaarawy said. The two aim to target a wide range of non-traditional learners and bridge the gap between academic education and labor market needs.And an investment fund: Uptown 6 October is considering launching an education investment fund, Shaarawy said. “We believe that investment funds are the ideal mechanism to expand the shareholder base and stimulate local and foreign investment in the education sector, especially in governorates that suffer from a shortage of high-quality educational institutions,” he added. The planned fund will enable individuals to invest in the education sector with small amounts, opening the door to a wider range of investors compared to the traditional model, which requires large capital.What GSM thinks of the Egyptian market: This partnership is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of Egyptians and expats joining GSM schools, according to GSM CEO Ron Packard. “We’re excited to bring our expertise to Egypt — a country with a rich educational heritage and immense potential,” added Tabberer. “This school will deliver not just top-tier education, but also foster innovation, personal development, and a global mindset.”Egypt is increasingly drawing global education players: A consortium of local, Emirati, US, and Canadian investors announced back in February plans to invest USD 100 mn to build five schools in Egypt under the St. Anthony International Schools name over the next five years. The schools will be located in key East and West Cairo neighborhoods, along with select coastal cities.Competition in Egypt’s international education space is heating up, with many globally successful models entering the market, El Ghor said. He believes this outlook reflects a favorable investment climate, adding that Uptown’s project aligns with Egypt’s upward trajectory and rising demand for quality education, fueled by rapid population growth and expansion of new cities.The fault in existing international models: The biggest shortcoming of many international schools in Egypt is the output, as they often focus excessively on English language proficiency at the expense of math, science, and the arts, neglecting the balance needed between disciplines and the cultural fabric of the community, according to El Ghor.Your top education stories for the week:The SAT college entrance exam will once again be offered in Egypt starting in June, following an agreement between the Education Ministry and the US-based College Board. The digital version of the standardized test — a key requirement for admission into many US universities — is returning after a four-year hiatus and will be offered through approved centers. (Statement)The government is looking into including AI as a mandatory school subject under a directive from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The recently released second edition of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth and social development in a bid to position the country as a leading AI hub in the Middle East and Africa. (Statement)

Good morning, all. We wrap up this very long week with a brisk issue. We lead today’s issue with the latest on the fifth review of our IMF loan agreement, a dip in auto prices, and a lot of earnings. PSA- The SAT is back next month: The SAT college entrance exam will once again be offered in Egypt starting June following an agreement between the Education Ministry and the US-based College Board, according to a statement from the ministry and another from the US Embassy in Cairo. The digital version of the standardized test — a key requirement for admission into many US universities — is returning after a four-year hiatus and will be offered through approved centers.REFRESHER- The SATs are globally recognized American admission tests for students applying to undergraduate programs and scholarships, particularly at US universities. The exam was offered in Egypt until September 2020, when College Board announced that it would cancel the test indefinitely, citing “persistent test security incidents,” including leaked questions. WANT THE DETAILS? We dive into what the return of the SAT means in a Blackboard published late last year. Check out the story here.WEATHER- It’s another sunny day in Cairo, with a high of 30°C and a low of 20°C, according to our favorite weather app.It’s a little cooler in Alexandria, with a high of 26°C and a low of 18°C.And over the weekend, expect to see a high of 40°C and a low of 23°C in the capital.** DID YOU KNOW that we now cover Saudi Arabia and the UAE?** Were you forwarded this email? Tap or click here to get your own copy delivered every weekday before 7am Cairo time — without charge.WATCH THIS SPACE- #1- Danish shipping giant Maersk is considering resuming its transits through the Suez Canal as it closely monitors security developments in the Red Sea, Maersk’s Camilla Jain Holtse said yesterday. Holtse’s statement came during a meeting with Suez Canal Authority head Osama Rabie, who urged the company to adjust its sailing schedules and gradually resume shipping through the waterway following the recent introduction of a temporary 15% cut in transit fees.Sound familiar? Rabie urged global shipping lines earlier this week to reassess their routes and consider a gradual return to the canal amid improving security conditions in the region.Maersk paused Red Sea transits in January 2024, following a brief resumption, due to attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen's Houthi that forced shipping companies to reroute their vessels. The company in February signaled that it sees Red Sea traffic recovering by mid-year, with a more substantial rebound by year-end.REMEMBER- Transit receipts from the Suez Canal dropped 62.3% y-o-y to USD 1.8 bn in 1H FY 2024-25 on the back of Red Sea disruptions that pushed ships to reroute away from the canal. #2- Progress on the long-awaited Russian Industrial Zone: Egypt and Russia have signed a long-term usufruct agreement granting Russian firms access to land inside the Suez Canal Economic Zone to establish a Russian Industrial Zone, Al Arabiya reports, citing comments from Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov. Under the agreement, a newly established Russian company will manage the project. The Russian side will receive the plot this year to start construction work, he said. The Russian side will start promoting the zone to Russian firms this week, the minister said, adding that companies in pharma, chemicals, mechanical engineering, and building materials are among those interested. “We are pinning our hopes on the construction of the Russian industrial zone inside the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which will undoubtedly allow new joint initiatives to be launched in priority industry branches," Alikhanov said.A long time coming: We have been on the lookout for news on the Russian Industrial Zone for years now — with the final contract for the project inked all the way back in 2018. Get Enterprise daily The roundup of news and trends that move your markets and shape corporate agendas delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR- #1- Calling all real estate developers and investors: Proptech platform Aqarmap is hosting an Egyptian-Saudi real estate summit in Cairo’s Nile Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, 18 May, the company said in a press release (pdf). The event will bring together developers, investors, and policymakers from Egypt and Saudi Arabia to discuss cross-border investment, market trends, and digital transformation in the sector.#2- ITIDA’s Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC) will host its Software Testing Day on Monday, 19 May at the Creative Innovation Hub, Creativa, in Giza. The event will be held under the theme “Software Testing Evolution: Innovating with AI and DevOps” and will bring together local and international experts and tech leaders to discuss AI, DevOps integration, skill building, and talent cultivation. You can register to attend through the link available on the SECC’s website. Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.THE BIG STORY ABROAD-US President Trump landed in Qatar, where he met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad. The visit saw the signing of USD 243 bn in agreements (per White House tally), including defense purchases for drone and counter-drone capabilities from US companies, Qatari investments at Al Udeid Air Base, and a tall, USD 96 bn order for up to 210 Boeing jets.The President is set to land in the UAE today for the third and last stop that is set to conclude his four-day Middle East trip with more investments and partnerships agreements signed.ALSO- Trump earlier met with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa just before the GCC summit in Riyadh, while Turkey’s President Erdogan joined over the phone. Trump urged Al Sharaa to join the so-called Abraham Accords, while the latter invited American companies to invest in Syria’s oil and gas, US Press Secretary said.AND- Trump and Russia’s Putin will be skipping the first direct peace talks to be held in Turkey today, with Russia opting to send a group of technocrats instead. The talks — proposed by Putin — are unlikely to see a breakthrough in the absence of the two leaders.

Technical education is going international: The Education Ministry is working to enhance the standards of Egypt’s technical and vocational education system through international partnerships — especially Italy and Japan. The ministry aims to convert some 1.3k existing technical schools into international institutions. Italy is stepping up: Some 50 Italian companies expressed interest in investing in Egypt’s education sector during a visit to Cairo last February. The visit saw both sides agree to explore the establishment of Italian-curriculum technical schools focused on the Italian language and practical training in industries such as automotive manufacturing, hospitality, finance, and IT – all aimed at preparing students for the global job market, especially to join Italian companies operating abroad.REMEMBER- Egypt and Italy inked several agreements last year for cooperation on technical and vocational education, hospitality training programs, as well as SME support. Meanwhile, a government source recently told us that the government is still pursuing further collaborations with Italy among other countries to improve education in Egypt. The bigger picture: Technical education is part of a broader strategy to align learning outcomes with labor market needs, a government source told EnterpriseAM, adding that the ministry is holding talks with the private industrial sector to support the establishment of specialized international technical schools and repurpose existing school buildings with private sector involvement, using international curricula and practices to boost demand for technical education in Egypt.Japan and Germany are no strangers to Egypt’s tech education: Japan is already a long-time partner in Egypt’s technical education, and Germany has been providing curriculum support through its competency-based learning model — which is now being applied in 85% of Egypt’s German-acceredited vocational schools.More vocational schools in the works: The Education Ministry wants to open nine new vocational schools in partnership with Egyptian business leaders, the source told us. The goal is to replicate successful models while allowing the private sector to play a bigger role in both funding and curriculum development.Curriculum updates are also underway: The ministry has approved 100 new curricula for applied tech schools and is working on another 20 focused on fields including AI, automation, and other emerging technologies.What’s next? The government wants to raise the number of applied tech schools to 420 by 2030 to accommodate some 130k students by the end of the decade, up from 40k students enrolled during the 2024-2025 academic year. Private sector demand is on the rise: There is growing interest among private players in offering services through tuition-based schools. Demand for technical education now accounts for over 50% of preparatory school graduates, the source said. The ultimate goal is to establish economic entities that link education with the manufacturing sectors through internationally accredited curricula.Egypt is stepping up its game: The government has allocated EGP 1 tn for education in the FY 2025-26 draft budget, with EGP 684.8 bn for pre-university education and EGP 358.3 bn for higher education. We’re doing something right: The country is climbing up the ranks, with its ranking in the Global Knowledge Index’ technical and vocational education and education sub-index rising to 43rd place, up from 46th in 2022, and 113th in 2013.Why does this matter? There is a shortage of skilled labor in Egypt, which is why integrating technical education into the country’s industrial development strategy is significant, curriculum and methods of teaching professor at Ain Shams University Hassan Shehata told EnterpriseAM. This shift is helping change perceptions of technical education, making it a more attractive option across the governorates by creating pathways to university and promising job prospects. Opening the sector to international players will accelerate the implementation of Egypt’s youth training goals and expansion of global partnerships.Cost-related factors remain a hurdle: A major obstacle for private investment is the relatively high cost per student, especially due to the hands-on nature of technical education and rising material costs, a representative from an applied technology school told EnterpriseAM. Students must attend in person and require access to specialized equipment and machinery, raising the cost significantly. The average cost per student in advanced technical education is now EGP 30k, up from EGP 18k. To address this, the government is offering various partnership models to encourage private sector participation.More expansion plans in the pipeline: The government has plans to build 536 new classrooms for technical education, renovate 902 existing classrooms, upgrade 126 technical schools, and establish 10 new applied technology schools. Your top education story for the week: The Oil Ministry, Methanex Egypt, and AUC are partnering to launch Egypt’s first Process Safety Management diploma, aimed at upskilling workers in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.