Egypt’s Higher Education Minister Emphasizes Collaboration with Democratic Republic of Congo Universities

Dr. Abdelaziz Qonsowa, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The delegation included Crispin Mbadu Vanzu, the special envoy for the President of DRC and Minister Delegate for Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, Juliana Amato Lumumba, DRC’s candidate for Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, and Jean-Baptiste Kasongo Musinga, DRC’s Ambassador to Egypt.

During the meeting, Dr. Qonsowa expressed Egypt’s pride in being part of Africa and its commitment to supporting its African brothers. He highlighted the belief of Egypt’s political leadership that education is key to progress and development.

The minister noted that Egyptian universities host numerous students from various nationalities, training them to meet labor market demands. He emphasized the ministry’s eagerness to collaborate with universities in DRC across educational and research fields to benefit both parties.

Dr. Qonsowa also mentioned the recent inauguration by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the new headquarters for Senghor University in New Borg El Arab City, Alexandria. This event was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African officials, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to supporting development across Africa and enhancing its role as a regional center for education and innovation.

He pointed out that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expatriates, organized a celebration for “Africa Day” at Cairo University, highlighting the growing Egyptian-African relations across political, economic, and developmental sectors.

Crispin Mbadu Vanzu remarked on Egypt’s leadership in education, research, and innovation within Africa. He expressed DRC’s interest in leveraging Egypt’s advancements in education, particularly amid a significant increase in university numbers and modern academic programs.

He pledged to inform his country’s education minister about intensifying cooperation with Egyptian universities soon. Additionally, he expressed hope for Egypt’s support for their candidate for Secretary General of La Francophonie due to her extensive experience in various leadership roles throughout her career.

Juliana Amato Lumumba highlighted Egypt’s crucial role in supporting Francophonie initiatives due to its regional leadership. She outlined key points from her program that emphasize respecting diverse cultures, enhancing cultural heritage, promoting equality and human rights, combating violence and extremism, resolving conflicts among nations, embracing digital transformation, supporting French language learning, and establishing training centers for students from various countries to prepare them for the job market.

Ambassador Mohamed Karim Sherif, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, conveyed greetings from Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing communication and cooperation with the Embassy of DRC in Egypt across various fields while expressing pride in strengthening Egyptian-Congolese relations. He also noted his satisfaction with Congolese students’ participation in “Africa Day” celebrations at Cairo University to foster cultural exchange among students from different nationalities.

Attendees from the Ministry of Higher Education included Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of Cultural Affairs Sector; Dr. Salma Yousry, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation; and Dr. Islam Aboul Magd, Advisor to the Minister for African Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was represented by Ambassador Mohamed Karim; Ambassador Amr El-Sherbiny; Ambassador Fatima Zahra; Minister Plenipotentiary Engy El-Semnoudi; and Ahmed Rushdi from the Ministry’s first secretary office.

The Congolese delegation included Bouswa Isikumbi Silver as Assistant to the candidate for Secretary General of La Francophonie; Nimi Mwanda Armand as Assistant Minister Delegate; and Nzimoto Kamisi Junior as Chief Advisor at the embassy.