Within the framework of Alexandria University’s efforts to strengthen academic and research partnerships with sister African countries and expand areas of joint cooperation, Prof. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, received Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, Minister of Education of the Republic of Rwanda, and Mr. Dan Munyuza, Ambassador of Rwanda to the Arab Republic of Egypt, along with the accompanying delegation, to discuss ways of enhancing academic and research cooperation between Alexandria University and educational and research institutions in Rwanda.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Hisham Saeed, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Gehan Gweifel, Assistant President for Internationalization and Branches; Prof. Tamer Abdallah, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Hanan Hosni El-Sherbiny, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing; Prof. Riham El-Debany, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry; and Prof. Marwa Khalil, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Acting President welcomed the Rwandan delegation, emphasizing the deep-rooted relations between Egypt and African countries, and Alexandria University’s commitment to supporting cooperation with African universities in light of Egypt’s strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships across the continent.

He stated that Alexandria University is moving forward with a clear vision to enhance its African presence, not only as an educational institution but also as an active partner in capacity building and supporting sustainable development pathways across African countries. He also noted the university’s progress in this regard through the establishment of branches in Chad and South Sudan, as well as the expansion of international and joint programs with prestigious global universities.

He added that cooperation with the Rwandan side represents a promising model of partnerships based on knowledge exchange and the development of qualified cadres capable of leading the future. He further highlighted that the university possesses strong academic and research infrastructure that enables it to play a pivotal role in supporting higher education systems across Africa through training, capacity building, and curriculum development aligned with labor market needs.

He also emphasized the university’s commitment to developing joint international education programs, as well as expanding the establishment and development of technology parks as platforms for innovation and for linking scientific research with industry.

For his part, Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, Minister of Education of Rwanda, expressed his country’s deep appreciation for the leading role of Alexandria University in supporting higher education across the African continent, praising its academic excellence and expertise, which qualify it to be a key strategic partner for Rwanda. He also expressed his country’s aspiration to expand cooperation, particularly in applied and technological programs and human capacity building.

Similarly, Ambassador Dan Munyuza of Rwanda to Egypt expressed his country’s pride in the longstanding relations with Egypt, affirming that Alexandria University represents a distinguished model of African academic institutions capable of promoting regional integration. He also stressed Rwanda’s keenness to activate academic and research cooperation through student and faculty exchange programs and to expand partnerships in priority fields.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a Business Model for joint cooperation with the Rwandan side in the fields of water, agriculture, energy, and medicine, in line with sustainability plans and aimed at transforming research outputs into practical applications serving development in both countries. The discussion also identified potential areas of cooperation, including the development of educational programs in English and French, as well as collaboration in water, agriculture, energy, medicine, engineering, economics, political science, modern technologies, and artificial intelligence. This aims to support applied scientific research, address common challenges, enhance regional integration, and serve sustainable development goals.