Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, met with Japan’s Ambassador to Cairo, IWAI Fumio, to build on outcomes from Al-Mashat’s visit to Japan in December 2024. The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, primarily focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and technical education.
Expanding AI Integration in Development Projects:
A major topic of discussion was how Egypt can leverage Japan’s advanced expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) to support the country’s development goals. Al-Mashat and Ambassador IWAI discussed potential collaborations between Egypt’s ministries and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to integrate AI into key projects. The aim is to enhance various sectors, including governance, infrastructure, and economic development, through AI-driven solutions.
Egypt is keen to harness AI to foster innovation, improve efficiency, and strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage. Both parties agreed that AI could play a transformative role in boosting Egypt’s digital economy, enhancing public services, and fostering sustainable development. The discussions emphasized AI’s potential in skills development, data analysis, and automation, positioning it as a critical tool for Egypt’s long-term growth strategy.
Boosting Technical Education with Japanese Expertise:
The meeting also centered on the expansion of the Japanese Technical Education model (EJ-KOSEN) in Egypt. Al-Mashat highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce this model at select technical institutes under Egypt’s Ministry of Education. The Japanese approach to technical education is known for its practical and hands-on training, preparing students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the labor market in fields such as engineering, technology, and manufacturing.
Both Egypt and Japan agreed to explore the possibility of expanding the EJ-KOSEN model to more institutions across the country, particularly in governorates covered by Egypt’s “Haya Karima” initiative. This initiative aims to improve education and living conditions in underserved areas, and the inclusion of Japan’s technical education model is expected to significantly elevate the standard of vocational training.
Strengthening Workforce Development Through AI and Education:
Al-Mashat emphasized that integrating AI into Egypt’s educational system and technical institutes would be a key strategy for preparing the workforce of the future. This partnership aligns with Egypt’s broader vision to promote innovation and technological advancement through education. By investing in AI and technical education, Egypt aims to bridge the skills gap, foster entrepreneurship, and create a skilled workforce ready to take on the challenges of the digital age.
The collaboration between Egypt and Japan in the fields of AI and technical education is part of a larger effort to diversify Egypt’s economy, enhance human capital, and facilitate the green transition. The technical expertise Japan brings to the table is seen as essential in helping Egypt build a knowledge-based economy that is competitive on the global stage.
Reaffirming Strong Bilateral Relations:
Ambassador IWAI reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s ambitious development goals, particularly in the realms of technology and education. He highlighted that Japan remains dedicated to assisting Egypt in implementing sustainable and inclusive development initiatives, with a strong emphasis on innovation and capacity-building.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their eagerness to move forward with initiatives aimed at strengthening Egypt’s AI capabilities and technical education infrastructure. With these strategic areas of collaboration, Egypt and Japan are positioning themselves to drive future growth and innovation in both countries.
