Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, attended the launch of a new partnership between the ministry and the private sector with the establishment of Next Era Education. The event, held in Cairo, was attended by several high-profile officials, including Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health, Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and the U.S. Ambassador to Egypt, Hiro Mustafa Garg.

During his address, Minister Ashour emphasized that investment in education is a cornerstone for development. He highlighted the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which aims to strengthen partnerships with the private sector. With the support of political leadership, Egypt has successfully established 100 universities, accommodating approximately 3.5 million students. The ministry aims to increase enrollment rates in higher education to 37%, thereby enhancing the investment environment in education.

Ashour noted that these efforts have resulted in a significant rise in international students, with around 150,000 currently enrolled in Egyptian universities, aiming to increase this number to 500,000. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive vision for Egypt's seven regions, outlining their educational needs, and the role of the private sector in delivering high-quality academic programs that meet market demands.

He described the launch of Next Era Education as a crucial step toward enhancing education in Egypt. This initiative seeks to create a strategic partnership between the government and the private sector, facilitating the establishment of branches of prestigious foreign universities in Egypt. This move aims to position Egypt as a regional education and scientific research hub.

Rania Al-Mashat stressed that sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without investing in human capital, particularly education, producing future leaders. She highlighted the necessity of utilizing technology to update curricula and provide students with choices among various universities.

The event also featured speeches from key representatives, including Mustafa Abdel Latif, CEO of Next Era Education, who expressed pride in launching the initiative as a pivotal moment for the future of education in Egypt. He outlined the company's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and international partnerships to elevate educational standards.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of formal agreements between Next Era and partner universities, marking a significant milestone in Egypt's educational landscape. The company has initiated investments exceeding 2 billion EGP to transform the Egyptian education system by incorporating innovative technologies and global partnerships.

In her remarks, Al-Mashat reiterated the government's dedication to fostering public-private partnerships across various sectors, including education, to drive comprehensive and sustainable growth. The collaboration aims to bridge developmental gaps and enhance educational offerings in alignment with Egypt's 2030 vision.