Egypt and the European Union (EU) have launched on Wednesday a new initiative aimed at increasing the participation of Egyptian private sector companies in the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, marking another step in the growing strategic partnership between the two sides in research, innovation and sustainable development.
The launch event, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the EU Delegation to Egypt, sought to transform growing interest in Horizon Europe into practical partnerships, joint research projects and innovation-driven business opportunities.
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdelaziz Konsowa said the initiative would help Egyptian companies and institutions better understand how to access the programme and benefit from its funding and collaboration opportunities.
He stressed that expanding private sector participation in research projects is essential for linking scientific output with market needs and supporting a knowledge-based economy.
Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem described research and innovation as key drivers of productivity, technology transfer and industrial competitiveness, noting that the EU remains one of Egypt’s most important economic and development partners.
Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, Maria Cristina Russo, said Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe since 2025 has brought the country closer to Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem.
She highlighted the importance of increasing the involvement of Egyptian businesses, start-ups and private sector actors in transforming research into products, services and jobs.
The programme’s 2026–2027 work plan, backed by a €14 billion budget, offers opportunities across sectors including health, digital technologies, industry, energy, climate, mobility, food and agriculture.
Egypt is the second African country to join Horizon Europe as an associated partner.
