The Cairo 2026 games, scheduled for August 9 to 16, will feature competitions across 18 sports. Currently, 45 universities from 16 African nations have confirmed their attendance out of a targeted 70 institutions, according to Egyptian University Sports Federation (EUSF) Secretary-General Ahmed Kamel.

Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa said the state has mobilised its resources to meet international organisational standards, describing the event as a tool for soft diplomacy and African integration.

Speaking online, International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder stated that Cairo’s successful execution of the event could serve as a gateway for Africa to host the World University Games for the first time.

FASU President Ashraf Sobhy added that hosting the games reflects Egypt’s regional standing. He also noted the support provided by Youth and Sports Minister Gohar Nabil in developing the continent’s sporting movement.

The organising committee has divided the tournament across five geographical zones in Greater Cairo to streamline logistics. Venues include Al Nadi Club in the New Administrative Capital, the American University in Cairo, Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and Helwan University. Helwan will house the primary sports village with a capacity for 1,200 participants, while the British University in Egypt will serve as a backup hotel option, Kamel said.

To verify venue readiness, Egypt conducted an operational simulation during the national Martyr Al-Rifai 53 tournament, which involved 4,000 students testing 21 sports between January 26 and February 1.

The official tournament programme comprises mandatory team sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball, alongside eight mandatory individual sports including athletics, swimming, and taekwondo, and seven optional sports. The event’s visual identity features a mascot named “Tuts Hop,” inspired by King Tutankhamun.

During the press conference, Hefny Pharmaceutical Group (HPG) Chairman Yasser Hefny announced a strategic partnership with FASU, stating the collaboration aims to support public health and university sports across the continent.

The games will also feature several side initiatives. Ministry Spokesperson Adel Abdel Ghaffar said the event will integrate with the “Study in Egypt” programme to attract African students and include a “Heritage of Nations” cultural exchange forum. Additional programmes include a “Green University” sustainability competition to manage waste and reduce carbon footprints, as well as a “Healthy Campus for Africa” initiative supervised by FISU.

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The ministry said the step is aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation between the health and higher education sectors and positioning university hospitals as core partners in delivering services under Egypt’s nationwide healthcare reform programme.

Abdel Ghaffar described coordination between the two ministries as a strategic move to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the healthcare system. He underscored the importance of leveraging medical infrastructure alongside academic expertise to optimise resource utilisation and broaden healthcare coverage.

The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the first phase of the universal health insurance rollout in the governorates of Port Said, Luxor, Ismailia, Suez, South Sinai, and Aswan. Discussions also covered operational requirements, available resources, financing mechanisms and administrative integration to ensure unified quality standards across participating facilities.

Konsowa said university hospitals represent a cornerstone of Egypt’s healthcare system, adding that the next phase will focus on expanding their service delivery role and improving operational performance.

He noted that deeper cooperation between university hospitals and health ministry facilities would maximise academic expertise, enhance medical training, and strengthen clinical practices in line with international standards.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both ministries, university presidents and representatives of the health system, the statement added.

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The project, which receives full support from the Egyptian state, aims to establish a distinguished academic and research centre aligned with international standards and the state’s vision to modernise the higher education system, Konsowa stated at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Konsowa emphasised that the project reflects the strength of bilateral ties between Egypt and France and is a “successful model for international academic cooperation” supported by the political leadership of both nations. He highlighted the role of the university’s Technology Park as a platform to transform scientific research and creative ideas into industrial and economic applications by supporting startups and localising technology.

French Ambassador Eric Chevallier affirmed France’s commitment to the partnership, describing the university as a “gateway to transfer the French educational experience to the African continent.”

Chevallier noted that the French side is keen to expedite the completion of the new campus according to the highest technical specifications. He added that the university would focus on modern disciplines and interdisciplinary programmes designed to meet the requirements of regional and international labour markets.

A detailed presentation during the meeting reviewed the current execution rates of construction work. Both parties confirmed that the implementation is proceeding within specified timelines and adhering to strict quality standards across all phases.

The discussions also covered strategies to enhance the university’s position as a digital and technological institution. The meeting was attended by Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Chairperson of the UFE Board of Trustees, and Mohamed Roshdy, President of the University.

The two sides agreed to maintain ongoing coordination to advance the project, with the goal of strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional hub for higher education and scientific research.

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