A S U

In preparation for Egypt’s hosting of the 12th African University Games “Cairo 2026,” the headquarters of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the New Administrative Capital witnessed the launch ceremony of the Games’ torch. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture; Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, President of the African University Sports Federation and Vice President of the Higher Committee for the 12th African University Games 2026; Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mehdi, Head of the Games’ Organizing Committee; as well as a number of officials and leaders of university sports federations.

Egypt will host the Games from September 8 to 16, 2026, with the participation of male and female students from universities across African countries. The event will bring together sporting competition, youth engagement, and cultural and civilizational exchange among the continent’s young people.

Konsowa: The Torch Carries a Message from Egypt to the Continent’s Youth

In his speech, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the 12th African University Games 2026, expressed his delight at this special moment as the Games’ torch was launched from Egypt, with more than 59 universities from 16 African countries participating so far.

The Minister emphasized that the torch is not merely a symbol marking the beginning of the sporting competitions; rather, it carries a message from Egypt to the continent’s youth, affirming that sports bring us together and that universities provide a genuine platform for communication, cooperation, and building new bridges among the peoples of Africa.

He noted that the Games are being organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation, under the umbrella of the African University Sports Federation, reflecting a firm belief that Africa’s youth are its true wealth and future. He added that university sports go beyond competition and winning championships, contributing to building young people’s character and promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and fair play.

Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa expressed his hope that the Games would be a celebration of Africa and its youth, providing an opportunity for students from different countries to meet, compete on the playing fields, get to know one another, and exchange experiences through the various activities accompanying the Games. He wished all participating students a strong and fair competition and hoped they would leave the Games with new experiences and lasting friendships with their peers from universities across Africa.

The Minister concluded by stressing that the launch of the torch of the 12th African University Games represents Egypt’s commitment to supporting African cooperation, saying: “Welcome to Egypt, and welcome to a Games that bring us together through sports, bring us closer through knowledge, and unite us in the spirit of Africa.”

Sobhy: University Sports Play a Key Role in Discovering Talents

For his part, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, President of the African University Sports Federation and Vice President of the Higher Committee for the 12th African University Games 2026, underscored the importance of Egypt hosting this major African university sporting event.

He noted that university sports represent one of the most important fields for discovering and nurturing sporting talents, building young people’s character, and promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and fair competition.

He explained that bringing together African university students in Egypt represents an opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation among the continent’s youth. He affirmed the Egyptian state’s support for university sports and its commitment to providing all the necessary elements for the success of the Games, in a manner befitting Egypt’s standing and capabilities in hosting and organizing major sporting events.

He also noted that the Games’ torch carries a message that transcends sporting competition, emphasizing the values of unity, fraternity, and peace among Africa’s youth.

Mehdi: The Torch Launch Marks the Symbolic Beginning of Its Journey to Universities

Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mehdi, Head of the Organizing Committee of the African University Games, affirmed that the Organizing Committee is coordinating with all relevant authorities to complete the organizational and logistical preparations required to host the Games, ensuring the best possible conditions for participating delegations and students.

He explained that the launch of the torch marks the symbolic beginning of its journey to the universities that will host the Games’ competitions and activities, emphasizing that the Organizing Committee aims to deliver an outstanding edition that reflects Egypt’s capabilities in organizing major university sporting events.

Mr. Mohamed Afifi, Media Spokesperson for the sponsoring company, affirmed that the launch of the torch represents an important symbolic moment reflecting the values of knowledge, hope, friendship, and peace, while embodying the spirit of excellence, teamwork, and fair play.

He noted that Egypt’s hosting of the Games represents an important opportunity to strengthen communication among African university youth through sporting competitions and accompanying scientific, cultural, and social activities. He also emphasized that launching the torch from the headquarters of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research embodies the integration of education and sports and highlights the role universities play in building young people’s character and preparing generations capable of contributing to a better future for the African continent.

Torch Handover Ceremony

The torch handover ceremony then took place, with Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mehdi handing over the torch in preparation for its journey to the host universities. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Games’ Higher Committee, subsequently handed the torch to Mahmoud Mohamed Khamis El-Habashi, a five-time Egyptian karate champion, and Reem Tamer Habashi, Arab athletics champion.

The competitions will be held at several major sports and university facilities. The American University in Cairo, Ain Shams University, Capital University, and Egyptian E-Learning University will host sporting competitions, alongside the Maadi Olympic Center and El-Nady Club in the New Administrative Capital. Meanwhile, the British University in Egypt will host the scientific conference accompanying the event.

The cycling track at Cairo International Stadium is scheduled to host the official opening ceremony of the Games in an event highlighting the bonds of cooperation and unity among university youth from across the continent.

The torch has now embarked on its journey to the universities hosting the activities of the 12th African University Games – Cairo 2026, carrying Egypt’s message to the youth of Africa and embodying the values of friendship, unity, cooperation, and peace, while reaffirming that university sports serve as a bridge connecting young people across African universities.