Egypt Roundup: Engineering exports, historic discoveries, education, tourism growth
Historic discoveries
Recent archaeological excavations at Queen Hatshepsut's mortuary temple in Luxor, Egypt, have unveiled remarkable artefacts, including an ancient foundation deposit, tools, and over 1,500 colourful stone blocks from her valley temple. Among the findings are a wooden adze, chisels, a hammer, and items inscribed with names associated with Hatshepsut and the deity Amun. This valley temple has historically been under-researched, making these discoveries particularly invaluable. Furthermore, archaeologists discovered a 17th-dynasty cemetery containing Egyptian remains and weaponry likely used to combat the Hyksos. Notable was the tomb of Djehuty Mes, which housed a limestone offering table and a cosmetics vessel, with ongoing analysis of these critical finds, LiveScience reports.
Engineering exports
In economic developments, Egypt's engineering exports reached an impressive $5.77 billion in 2024, reflecting a 25% increase, as reported by Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib. During the "Future of Egypt’s Exports for Engineering Industries Sector" conference, El-Khatib underscored the pivotal role the engineering sector plays in the economy and the necessity for enhanced collaboration between government and private sectors to expand exports while accessing global markets. According to DailyNewsEgypt, Sherif El-Sayyad, Chairperson of the Engineering Export Council of Egypt, emphasised the growth within the sector and acknowledged the significance of government support, quality product enhancement, and the utilisation of international trade agreements for economic expansion and job creation.
Baccalaureate system
President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi convened a meeting with officials to discuss improvements in the education sector, particularly focusing on the baccalaureate system and enhanced inter-ministerial coordination, Sahafa Iyoum reports. Minister of Higher Education Ayman Ashour reported a significant 40% surge in student enrolment within AI and technology disciplines for the 2024/2025 academic year, alongside the introduction of an Egyptian Academy of Mathematical Sciences aimed at gifted individuals. Al-Sisi outlined the imperative of aligning education with labour market needs and global standards which includes establishing branches of Egyptian universities abroad without incurring state expenses. Additionally, he announced that ten new private universities would launch in 2025/2026, raising the total to 30 while ensuring that quality remains high to attract foreign students.
Egypt-Germany collaborations
Egypt and Germany have finalised an agreement to initiate the second phase of the Egyptian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Reintegration (EGC). DailyNewsEgypt reports that, this project aims to support youth through training and employment opportunities while assisting returning Egyptians in reintegration, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030. The initiative looks to diminish irregular migration and bolster community resilience, with cooperative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including the EU and various UN agencies. It also features a 29 million euro debt-for-development swap designed to improve conditions for populations affected by crises, alongside the launch of a national survey aimed at comprehensively understanding international migration patterns and effects in Egypt.
Tourism growth
Egypt achieved a remarkable milestone by welcoming a record-breaking 15.7 million tourists in the last year, surpassing earlier peaks from 2023 and 2010, despite facing regional challenges. According to VOA News, photojournalist Hamada Elrasam In Luxor, captured images of recently uncovered antiquities that are currently on display, showcasing the rich historical legacy and cultural heritage of the nation.
