Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt to establish ‘University of Food’
Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, and Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, met to discuss groundbreaking plans to establish the nation’s first University of Food. The initiative is a key component of Egypt’s Vision 2030, which seeks to modernize higher education and align it closely with national and global development goals.
According to a joint statement from both ministries, the new university will focus on preparing highly skilled graduates in the fields of agriculture, food technologies, water resource management, and related sciences. Designed as an internationally collaborative project, the university will bring together Egypt’s leading academic institutions—Cairo University and Benha University—and international partners such as Hiroshima University from Japan.
Dr. Ashour emphasized that the creation of specialized universities marks a pivotal shift in Egypt’s approach to higher education, supporting the country’s ambition to cultivate a digitally proficient and innovative workforce. By integrating modern teaching methods and promoting project-based learning, the University of Food aims to meet the challenges of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
“The university will be uniquely positioned to foster advanced research and practical skills, attracting investment, supporting priority industries, and enhancing employment opportunities,” Dr. Ashour noted.
Minister Farouk highlighted the university’s potential to transform Egypt’s agriculture and food industries. “This initiative will prepare expert cadres capable of advancing our food systems and strengthening national food security,” he said. “The Ministry of Agriculture is dedicated to supporting the university, utilizing our extensive research and specialized centers, as well as ongoing collaboration with existing colleges of agriculture.”
The new institution will feature five core faculties covering smart agriculture, animal production, water resource management, food process technology, and agricultural mechanization, alongside a dedicated Food Research Center and an entrepreneurship incubator. Programs will blend high-level academic education with hands-on, practical training tailored to Egypt’s national priorities.
The project also aims to raise public awareness around water conservation, increase agricultural productivity, and create a platform for research and innovation in food systems.
Both ministries have agreed to form a joint committee overseeing the university’s establishment, curricula approval, and adherence to national and international academic standards. The University of Food is expected to open its doors to students starting from the 2026-2027 academic year.
The initiative enjoys support from top academic and research figures across Egypt, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo University, Benha University, the Cabinet’s Education Development Fund, and the country’s major research centers.
This new university is set to serve not only as an educational and research powerhouse for Egypt, but as a model for the region, fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions for the future of food and agriculture.