Egypt's Military production, higher education ministers discuss joint cooperation

CAIRO - 1 April 2026: Egypt's Ministers of State for Military Production Salah Suleiman Gambalat and Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdelaziz Konsowa discussed avenues of joint cooperation at the headquarters of the Ministry of Military Production in the government district of Egypt’s new administrative capital, with several senior officials from both ministries in attendance.

Gambalat emphasized that the meeting reflects both sides’ commitment to implementing the directives of Egypt’s political leadership under the Vision 2030 plan, which highlights the importance of transforming education into a key driver of economic and industrial development.

He added that it also seeks to strengthen constructive collaboration among state institutions, research centers, and universities, while maximizing the use of national manufacturing resources to benefit Egyptian citizens.

During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the implementation status of ongoing collaborative projects between the Ministries of Military Production and Higher Education in areas such as scientific research, training, and human resource development. Progress on joint projects was assessed against pre-established timelines.

The discussions also focused on mechanisms to better link scientific research with industry, maximize the practical application of university and research center outputs, and convert them into initiatives with direct economic impact, supporting the country’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

The ministers emphasized the need to develop specialized educational and training programs to prepare qualified personnel with advanced technological skills that meet the demands of the labor market, particularly in priority industrial sectors.

Gambalat highlighted the ministry’s commitment to supporting higher education through its affiliated entities, expressing readiness to provide practical training opportunities for university and institute students within military production facilities according to their specializations.

He added that the two sides explored the potential for student graduation projects to benefit from available expertise and resources, aiming to apply their outputs to advance local manufacturing, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and enable students to develop practical prototypes.

This effort would be supported in cooperation with the Fund for Supporting Innovators and Talents, along with initiatives in advanced industrial research, including metal industries, steel production, molds, alloys, and artificial intelligence.

The ministers also discussed expanding collaboration between the Egyptian Academy for Advanced Engineering and Technology under the Ministry of Military Production and universities across various disciplines to support the educational process.

Konsowa expressed the Higher Education Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with state institutions to ensure that scientific research outputs are translated into practical applications benefiting national industry.

He noted that the ministry, through the Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority, is preparing to launch several key initiatives, including the “Professor for Every Factory” program, designed to link innovation with industrial needs, enable researchers to develop practical solutions, improve operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and support sustainable local manufacturing while reducing reliance on imports.

Konsowa added that a high-level committee, composed of experts, has been established under the directives of the political leadership to review curricula, assess their alignment with labor market needs, analyze graduate employment trends, develop new specializations, restructure outdated programs, strengthen partnerships with industry, and design training plans connecting students with the workforce.

The committee aims to keep higher education aligned with global developments, enhance the quality of educational outputs, and boost graduate competitiveness locally, regionally, and internationally.

He concluded that the cooperation is grounded in the shared belief in linking scientific research with industry and transforming it into innovative products and services.