The day witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding, led by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister, to establish a high-standard campus for the University of Exeter in Egypt. This marks the first of its kind in Africa for the Russell Group of British universities. The event was attended by Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Gareth Bayley, the UK Ambassador to Egypt, Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, Mr. Mark Howard, Director of the British Council in Egypt, along with several representatives from the Russell Group of British universities and the University of Exeter.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Dr. Essam El-Kurdi, Executive Director of the University Support and Development Authority, and Dr. Lisa Roberts, President of the University of Exeter.

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly emphasized that this step is part of Egypt's ambitious vision to strengthen academic cooperation with prestigious international institutions. The goal is to expand access to high-quality education for students in Egypt and prepare them to compete in local and international labor markets.

With this agreement, the University of Exeter is opening new horizons by announcing the launch of a strategic partnership with Ain Shams University in Egypt. This partnership aims to establish a distinguished campus for the University of Exeter in Egypt, located at the heart of the international campus of Ain Shams University. This initiative makes Exeter the first university from the Russell Group, which includes 24 universities in the UK, to establish such an academic partnership in Africa.

Following the signing, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated: "Today marks a truly exceptional moment as we celebrate the transformative partnership between the University of Exeter and Ain Shams University. Establishing a branch of a Russell Group university in Egypt, the first of its kind in Africa, is a pioneering achievement that symbolizes the limitless potential of higher education collaboration."

The Minister added that this partnership goes beyond being a significant academic milestone. It represents a clear commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative research and preparing future generations to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. He emphasized that the University of Exeter’s reputation for groundbreaking research in critical fields aligns perfectly with Ain Shams University's aspirations and Egypt's future vision for higher education.

Dr. Ayman Ashour highlighted that, in alignment with the strategic vision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt, this partnership supports key national reforms focused on the internationalization of education, global partnerships, and enhancing education quality. It will also strengthen opportunities for robust research collaboration, promote dynamic exchanges between students and faculty, and increase industry engagement, leading to a broad societal impact. This partnership embodies the power of teamwork and a shared vision for education that transcends borders. He expressed confidence that this collaboration would drive innovation, enrich both institutions, and deliver long-term benefits to society.

British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley stated: "British education enjoys a world-renowned reputation, and I share Egypt’s pride in welcoming the establishment of a campus for the University of Exeter in Cairo, as the first Russell Group university to establish an educational partnership in Africa. This milestone highlights the growing educational partnership between the United Kingdom and Egypt. This new and significant collaboration between the University of Exeter and Ain Shams University provides greater opportunities for Egyptian youth to access British education, opening new horizons for their professional futures."

Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, pointed out that this ambitious partnership establishes a branch campus in Egypt, marking a significant milestone in academic collaboration and enhancing the national educational landscape. He noted that this initiative aligns with Egypt's comprehensive higher education reform strategy, which focuses on improving quality, fostering innovation, and promoting international collaboration to prepare a skilled workforce compatible with an evolving global economy.

He added that the Supreme Council of Universities has played a critical role in driving initiatives that elevate institutional rankings and support academic accreditation. Egyptian universities are committed to creating educational environments driven by research and innovation to enhance academic excellence and address growing global challenges.

Dr. Refaat highlighted that this pioneering partnership with the University of Exeter will also offer internationally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, alongside options for dual degrees and interdisciplinary programs tailored to meet the demands of the global workforce. It will provide students with access to world-class education and research, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for research and development focused on innovation and solving real-world problems. This partnership opens tremendous opportunities for both students and the academic community in Egypt, contributing to shaping a future based on knowledge, innovation, and shared progress.

Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, stated:
"Our partnership with the University of Exeter represents a turning point for Ain Shams University and higher education in Egypt and Africa. By collaborating with a prestigious institution from the Russell Group, we will create a platform that integrates world-class education and research, while addressing local and global challenges. This initiative will empower our students and faculty by providing them with the tools and opportunities to lead, innovate, and shape the future."

Dr. Lisa Roberts, President of the University of Exeter, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, saying: "Global partnerships are essential for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges while making higher education accessible to all. This collaboration with Ain Shams University reflects our commitment to academic excellence, knowledge exchange, and creating a lasting positive impact on a global scale. Together, we will empower the next generation of scholars, researchers, and leaders."

Dr. Richard Follett, Associate Vice-Chancellor of the University, added: "This historic initiative represents a unique opportunity to foster international collaboration, drive impactful scientific research, and pioneer innovative teaching methods. We are proud to work alongside Ain Shams University to establish a dynamic and international campus for academic excellence and societal impact."\

Mr. Mark Howard, Director of the British Council in Egypt, stated:
"The higher education sector in the United Kingdom is one of its greatest assets, and a core part of our work at the British Council is to expand and strengthen international connections in higher education. The collaboration between the University of Exeter and Ain Shams University is of great importance, not only for enhancing the quality of higher education in Egypt but also for connecting people and fostering understanding and trust across cultures. The British Council has facilitated this pioneering partnership as part of its Going Global Partnerships program in transnational higher education, leveraging its global expertise and collaboration with partners in the UK and locally."

Dr. Essam El-Kurdi, Executive Director of the University Support and Development Authority, added that the partnership between the University of Exeter and Ain Shams University goes beyond education. It aims to establish pathways for interdisciplinary research collaboration and engagement with the industrial sector. Additionally, it will provide opportunities for capacity-building, professional development, and exchange programs between the two universities. Enhanced study-abroad initiatives, including exchange and professional training programs, will enrich educational experiences while fostering deeper cultural ties between the UK and Egypt. This partnership will strengthen cross-cultural relationships and elevate the educational landscape in both nations.

It was noted that this partnership achieves several key advantages, including:

. Expanding Access to Education: Enabling students in Egypt and neighboring regions to enroll in academic programs that offer internationally recognized degrees.

. Supporting Innovative Research: Collaborative research initiatives will address pressing global challenges.

. Faculty and Student Exchange: Facilitating faculty training, professional development, and mobility programs based on knowledge exchange.

. Fostering University-Industry Partnerships: Strengthening ties between academia and industry to enhance practical applications of research.

. Enriching Academic Experiences: Enhancing the quality of education through collaboration and innovation.

. Preparing Graduates for the Job Market: Designing programs to equip students with skills tailored to the demands of modern labor markets.

. Cultural and Academic Exchange: Strengthening ties between the UK and Egypt, fostering collaboration on cultural, industrial, and academic levels.

. The memorandum of understanding outlines shared objectives, including the development of a campus branch within Ain Shams University’s new facility.

. This pioneering partnership represents a significant step forward in achieving the University of Exeter’s mission to expand its global footprint, foster innovation, and deliver world-class education and research. It also reflects a shared commitment between the Russell Group of British universities and Ain Shams University to prepare future generations for the challenges of an ever-changing world.