Forum calls for Arab-African-European agricultural integration
Vision presented to make Egypt a regional seed production hub
The second edition of the International Forum and Exhibition for Smart and Green Agriculture, AgriTech 2025, concluded this evening, marking a significant milestone in fostering Arab-African-European integration and charting a roadmap for the future of smart agriculture. The event, held from June 24 to 26 under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministries of Agriculture, Planning, Irrigation, Environment, and International Cooperation, brought together high-level officials, international experts, and representatives from organizations and companies focused on agricultural and technological advancement.
The forum’s activities were inaugurated on behalf of Dr. Alaa Azouz, Head of the Agricultural Extension Sector at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Distinguished attendees included Dr. Hossam Shawky, Head of the Desert Research Center; Ambassador Hesham Badr, National Coordinator of Egypt’s National Initiative for Smart Green Projects; officials from the European Union, the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ), and the Italian Cooperation; as well as representatives from the embassies of the Netherlands and Finland. Also present were Dr. Ali Shams El-Din, former President of Benha University and Chairman of the Forum’s Organizing Committee; Dr. Sayed Khalifa, Head of the Agricultural Syndicate; delegations and experts from over 12 countries; and representatives from regional and international organizations such as the European Union, ACSAD, IFAD, the World Food Programme, and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development.
Dr. Ali Shams El-Din highlighted the forum’s success in achieving key strategic objectives over its three-day agenda, noting that AgriTech 2025 has evolved into a vital platform for exchanging global expertise and best practices in smart agriculture. The event featured specialized sessions addressing Arab-African-European integration, the expansion of modern agricultural technologies, decarbonization strategies, and pioneering applications in digital agriculture, environmental monitoring, and drone technologies.
Shams El-Din also underscored the need for robust public-private partnerships to modernize agricultural education and vocational training, proposing practical initiatives to develop agricultural colleges and schools in line with global advancements. He confirmed that the forum produced a preliminary roadmap for future cooperation projects, clearly defining technical and financial priorities to guide upcoming efforts. The forum, now positioned as an annual regional event, unites key stakeholders committed to advancing smart and green agriculture in Egypt and the wider region.
A notable highlight of the forum was the presentation of a comprehensive vision to transform Egypt into a regional center for seed production, reinforcing the country’s strategic agricultural role. During a keynote session moderated by Tycho Vermeulen, Agricultural Counselor at the Dutch Embassy, participants explored avenues to break down barriers and enhance international cooperation in agricultural technology. Discussions also focused on challenges facing the adoption of green technologies in developing countries.
Another session, moderated by Dr. Saad Nassar, Professor of Agricultural Economics and former Governor of Fayoum, tackled the economic challenges of transitioning to sustainable, digital agriculture. The session examined mechanisms to increase agricultural production and exports through precision farming while emphasizing water and energy efficiency.
On the forum’s second day, participants addressed critical issues such as food security and climate-resilient agriculture, with discussions on cutting-edge technologies like smart irrigation systems and environmental sensors. Professor Osama Reis, Head of Entrepreneurship at the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, chaired this session.
A comprehensive session on seed production, chaired by Dr. Maher El-Maghribi, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Research Center for Production, highlighted Egypt’s potential in this vital sector. Dr. Sherif Mohammadi, President of the National Water Research Center, led a session on enhancing water resource efficiency, promoting energy conservation, and accelerating the shift towards renewable energy sources. Experts from the irrigation, energy, and space sectors contributed to this dialogue, including representatives from the Egyptian Space Agency. Additional sessions explored the role of renewable energy in modern agriculture.
The forum concluded with an open dialogue led by Dr. Ali Shams El-Din, focusing on strengthening human capital for agricultural transformation through education and vocational training, aligning with the National Education Strategy. Contributions from Dr. Mona Hegras, Assistant Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities; Dr. Abdel-Ghani El-Gendy, Head of the Council’s Agriculture Sector; and Dr. Shaima Mamdouh, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Technical Education, emphasized the need to expand applied technology schools and modernize agricultural education for the digital era. The session also explored priorities for international cooperation, funding opportunities, and actionable steps for implementing future projects.
Participants collectively recommended holding AgriTech annually in late June to maintain momentum and deepen regional and international collaboration. Alongside the forum, a dedicated exhibition showcased the latest innovations in smart agriculture, complemented by seminars, workshops, and direct meetings connecting producers, farmers, and global officials. Topics covered included food security, climate change, energy efficiency, and the future of modern agriculture.
