Egyptian Higher Education Minister Abdelaziz Qansua has concluded a working visit to Japan, yielding several agreements to enhance cooperation in education and scientific research. The visit included meetings with government officials, university leaders, and international scientific institutions. Key outcomes include launching joint research projects, expanding dual-degree programs, and developing technological education. These initiatives aim to bolster Egypt's position as a hub for Japanese education in Africa and the Arab region.
The partnership between Egypt and Japan in higher education and scientific research is set to enter a new phase. This phase focuses on joint research projects funded by both countries, particularly in renewable energy, water, artificial intelligence, and materials science. The collaboration will allow Egyptian researchers and students to participate in advanced research projects, linking scientific outputs to industry and development needs.
Egypt and Japan are exploring the development of technological education, building on Japan's experience with the "EJ-KOSEN" model. This model combines theoretical study with practical application and has been implemented in 51 national colleges in Japan. The two countries discussed expanding this model in Egypt, following the opening of the first institute in the New Cairo City during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Egyptian and Japanese governments are also discussing cooperation between universities. This includes launching joint Ph.D. programs in materials science, semiconductors, and energy. Additionally, they are exploring collaboration on climate change research and resilience in coastal areas. The two countries are also examining the possibility of establishing a branch of the University of Tsukuba in Egypt.
The visit also covered quality research and international publishing. The Egyptian minister met with representatives of the publishing company Elsevier to enhance the visibility of Egyptian scientific journals in the Scopus database. The two sides discussed providing technical support to Egyptian journals and organizing training programs on research integrity.
Egypt and Japan are also set to boost innovation and entrepreneurship. The Egyptian minister reviewed Tokyo's experience in developing a startup ecosystem and discussed ways to connect Egyptian university spin-offs and innovation incubators with international investors and networks. This aims to support the growth and expansion of these companies.
The new phase of the Egyptian-Japanese partnership in education will focus on sustainability and knowledge transfer. The two countries are discussing mechanisms to implement the partnership until 2031, with a gradual transfer of responsibilities and costs to Egyptian institutions. This will enable Egypt to continue joint programs and benefit from Japanese expertise in the long term.
Key points
- Egypt and Japan agree to enhance cooperation in higher education and scientific research.
- The partnership will focus on joint research projects, technological education, and innovation.
- The two countries aim to establish Egypt as a hub for Japanese education in Africa and the Arab region.
