Egypt Allocates EGP 10Bn For Digital Infrastructure In Public Universities
Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, has announced a significant investment of EGP 10bn to upgrade the digital infrastructure of public universities. Among the groundbreaking initiatives is the launch of Egypt's first generative AI integration pilot at Ain Shams University, developed in collaboration with Microsoft. This pilot program is designed to enhance students' market-relevant skills by integrating AI tools into course curricula, with plans to expand the initiative to other academic disciplines across Egyptian universities.
Minister Ashour emphasized the Ministry's commitment to leveraging technology to transform education, improve content delivery, and boost student engagement. Central to these efforts is the“Digital Transformation and Future Vision” initiative, part of the Ministry's broader strategy for 2024. This strategy aligns with the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, built on seven key principles: integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, connectivity, active participation, sustainability, international benchmarking, and fostering leadership and innovation. These efforts aim to build a robust digital foundation, equip graduates with future-ready skills, and develop modernized, efficient institutions.
The year 2024 has been a pivotal one for digital transformation in higher education, highlighted by the Ministry's active participation in the Cairo ICT 2024 Exhibition and Conference for the Middle East and Africa. The Ministry has focused on embedding artificial intelligence and digital tools across the higher education ecosystem, supporting initiatives such as smart campuses, electronic exams, digital platforms, and updated learning management systems.
A joint study conducted by UNESCO and UNICEF praised the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), a national digital learning platform, for its contributions to lifelong learning and innovation. The EKB has become a comprehensive educational resource, offering extensive content for learners, educators, and institutions, along with capacity-building programs to maximize its use. It is recognized as a cornerstone of Egypt's knowledge-driven society, expanding access to education and fostering a culture of innovation.