In line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, the National Training Academy (NTA) has ramped up its grassroots engagement efforts across the country, launching a series of empowerment programs targeting women and youth. The initiatives come as part of the Academy’s broader mission to decentralize leadership training and foster inclusive, community-led development.
Leading the national outreach were Dr. Solafa Goueili, Executive Director of the NTA, and Dr. Taher Nasr, Deputy Executive Director, who conducted high-level field visits to Damietta and Mansoura. These visits marked their first provincial tours since assuming leadership of the Academy.
During the visit to Damietta, Dr. Goueili and Dr. Nasr met with Dr. Ayman El-Shihaby, Governor of Damietta, and Dr. Hamdan Rabie, President of Damietta University. The tour coincided with the local graduation ceremony for a new cohort of the youth-focused initiative “I Am Also Responsible,” a program designed to instill civic responsibility, critical thinking, and ethical leadership among Egypt’s next generation.
Empowering Women to Lead
One of the cornerstone programs spotlighted during the visit was “Women Lead in Egyptian Governorates,” a flagship initiative launched in 2023 to equip Egyptian women with the tools, training, and confidence to assume leadership roles in local and national institutions.
Speaking at Misr Public Library in Damietta, Dr. Goueili praised the ongoing success of the program, noting its evolution over three cohorts:
- The first cohort, launched in October 2023, included 95 inspiring women leaders.
- The second cohort welcomed 117 highly qualified participants.
- The current third cohort includes 47 promising female trainees who have undergone immersive, real-world training designed to simulate leadership responsibilities.
“Today we celebrate not just the conclusion of a training course, but the beginning of a leadership journey,” Dr. Goueili stated. “These women are equipped not only with knowledge, but with vision and confidence—ready to take on key roles in building their communities and influencing policy.”
A Model of Experiential Learning
Dr. Taher Nasr emphasized that these programs are not limited to theoretical instruction. “We aim to create transformative learning experiences,” he said. “Our programs combine rigorous content, innovative assessment tools, and real-world exposure to foster leadership that is both principled and practical.”
He added that the Academy’s approach prioritizes experiential learning, allowing trainees to directly engage with the socio-political challenges facing their communities. “It’s not just about training—it’s about transformation.”
Academic Partnerships and Institutional Alignment
In Mansoura, the NTA partnered with Mansoura University to launch a new round of the “I Am Also Responsible” program. The initiative aligns with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to invest in human capital and promote active citizenship across Egypt.
Dr. Sherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, lauded the initiative, saying, “The program reflects our commitment to fostering a generation of Egyptian youth who are not only educated but also empowered to lead, serve, and innovate.”
He praised the Academy for its strategic role in national development, calling it a “model of institutional collaboration that supports the goals of Egypt’s sustainable development vision.”
Government Support and National Impact
The Governor of Damietta, Dr. Ayman El-Shihaby, affirmed the importance of such initiatives in supporting women’s leadership and civic engagement. “This effort reflects the Egyptian state’s commitment—under the leadership of President El-Sisi—to advancing gender equity and preparing women for decision-making roles in both public and private sectors.”
The NTA’s latest programs reflect a growing shift in Egypt’s training and development strategy—from Cairo-centric to governorate-level empowerment, from theory to hands-on transformation, and from siloed efforts to cross-sectoral collaboration.
As Egypt continues its ambitious journey toward inclusive development, initiatives like “Women Lead” and “I Am Also Responsible” are setting the stage for a new generation of leaders—equipped not only with knowledge, but with purpose.
