Egypt, Japan discuss expanding education projects

Egyptian Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif convened with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) First Vice President Yuko Mitsui on August 10, 2026, to discuss expanding educational initiatives between their nations. The meeting occurred during Abdel Latif's visit to Japan and encompassed a range of topics, including the growth of Egyptian-Japanese schools, teacher training, and the potential for integrating Japanese educational methods into mainstream public institutions.

Abdel Latif revealed that the count of Egyptian-Japanese schools is projected to reach 102 in September, an increase from 69 the previous year and 52 two years prior. Mitsui commended the Ministry of Education's commitment to augmenting the number of these schools while preserving the quality of education, emphasizing the value of maintaining the Japanese educational model's effectiveness.

The two parties also examined a collaboration between Hiroshima University and Egypt aimed at training and developing teachers, set to commence in September. This program will offer extensive training encompassing theoretical, practical, and research elements, mirroring the Japanese education system. Conducted in Egypt, the program will feature 10 courses led by Hiroshima University professors, addressing academic, practical, and research components.

Mitsui expressed enthusiasm for the program, acknowledging its significance in elevating teachers' capabilities and leveraging Japanese expertise in educator training and development. The negotiations further delved into broadening cooperation to encompass mainstream public schools, enabling the adaptation of Japanese educational practices to the Egyptian context.

Both sides explored transferring Egypt's experience with the Japanese education model to other Arab and African countries, viewing it as a successful example of international educational cooperation. Mitsui proposed that Japan's perspective on the Egyptian-Japanese educational collaboration as a prime instance of such cooperation outside Japan, signifying a desire to further develop and broaden the benefits of this partnership.

The discussions also addressed the role of Japanese supervisors in Egyptian-Japanese schools, with the number of supervisors anticipated to increase to 39 by September. These supervisors will oversee academic and administrative facets, disseminating Japanese expertise to Egyptian staff. Both parties underscored the importance of sustaining coordination and collaboration in the forthcoming period to reinforce the strategic education partnership between Egypt and Japan, bolstering endeavors to enhance the education system and widen the utilization of Japanese expertise in the region and Africa.