President Abdel Fattah El Sisi inaugurated on Saturday the new campus of Senghor University in New Borg El Arab City, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Burundian Prime Minister Nestor Ntahuntwe, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo, Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, and African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Gasparbania Kembona.
Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy stated that the president delivered a keynote address, in which he welcomed the distinguished guests to Egypt, describing it as the cradle of human civilisation and a global beacon of knowledge which has, throughout history, contributed to shaping human consciousness and advancing scientific progress.
He emphasised that Egypt has not only been a repository of knowledge but also an active partner in its production and dissemination, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange among peoples.
The president noted that the inauguration of the new campus comes at a pivotal moment marked by increasing global development challenges, which require strengthened international co-operation based on solidarity and integration, particularly among countries of the Global South.
He stressed Egypt’s appreciation for the role of the International Organisation of La Francophonie as a multilateral framework that promotes dialogue, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, human rights, and education as fundamental pillars of sustainable development.
President Sisi recalled Egypt’s longstanding commitment since joining the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation in 1983, which later evolved into the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
He highlighted Egypt’s continued engagement in supporting Francophone objectives alongside its partnerships with countries of the Global North.
He further underscored Egypt’s strategic position as a meeting point between Africa, the Arab world, the Mediterranean region, and Francophone countries.
He praised the role of the French Republic in supporting the Francophone system and its institutions, particularly Senghor University, expressing Egypt’s appreciation to President Emmanuel Macron for France’s contributions to African human capital development through financial assistance, scholarship programmes, and the transfer of expertise, thereby supporting stability and development across the continent, Shennawy said.
“For more than three decades, Senghor University has established itself as a leading academic institution in Africa, dedicated to preparing young African leaders through modern educational approaches.”
These efforts enable graduates to address complex development challenges and transform them into opportunities for progress,” the president noted.
He added that the university’s role extends beyond academic instruction to include strengthening institutional capacities and improving the effectiveness of decision-makers across Africa in key areas such as governance, resource management, sustainable development, water and food security, and climate change adaptation.
This, he said, makes it a vital pillar in supporting African states in formulating more efficient and responsive policies.Sisi reaffirmed that strengthening relations between Egypt and African sister states remains a cornerstone of Egyptian foreign policy, grounded in deep historical ties, mutual respect, and shared destiny.
He emphasised Egypt’s continued commitment to supporting African development through capacity building, knowledge transfer, and development projects, stressing that the prosperity and stability of Africa are inseparable from those of Egypt.
At conclusion, the president directed a message to students, stating that “they represent the hope of Africa’s future and that the knowledge and skills they acquire are tools for building their societies and shaping a better future for the continent.”
The ceremony concluded with a speech by President Emmanuel Macron, followed by President Sisi meeting and greeting students on campus and engaging with them directly.
