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Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, attended yesterday evening the opening ceremony of the 12th African University Games, held at Cairo International Stadium. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation, along with a number of presidents and representatives of international and African university sports federations, university presidents, heads of participating delegations and missions, as well as students, athletes, and young people from African universities, and a number of ambassadors accredited to Egypt.

The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo; Eng. Abdel Sadek El-Shorbagy, Chairman of the National Press Authority; and Ambassador Alaa Youssef, Chairman of the State Information Service.

Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture; Mr. Gohar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports; Mr. Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU); Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee of the 12th African University Games and President of the African University Sports Federation; and Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdy, Chairman of the Games Organizing Committee, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation.

Before proceeding to the VIP stand for the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister toured the Art Street and African Heritage exhibitions. The Ministry of Culture is participating through six live workshops showcasing traditional and heritage crafts, including Talli embroidery, mat weaving, handmade carpets, pottery, and amigurumi dolls, alongside exhibitions featuring products from these workshops. The Ministry’s participation program runs from September 11 to 15 and includes 12 traditional and heritage craft workshops at Ain Shams University. Several African countries are also participating with artworks showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

The ceremony began with the Egyptian national anthem, followed by a visual smoke show and an artistic performance celebrating Egyptian civilization entitled “Egypt: Land of Civilization.” This was followed by the official parade of the participating countries and delegations.

During the ceremony, several officials delivered remarks, beginning with Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee of the 12th African University Games and President of the African University Sports Federation. He was followed by Mr. Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU); Mr. Gohar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports; and Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

It is worth noting that 18 African countries are participating in the African University Games, represented by 82 universities and educational institutions and more than 2,000 students and delegation members. Participants are competing across 18 main sports, including four team sports and 14 individual sports, in addition to four para sports being introduced for the first time and three demonstration sports also making their debut at the Games.

An exhibition showcasing Egyptian civilization is being held on the sidelines of the Games to introduce participants to Egypt’s heritage, arts, crafts, and cultural identity. The program also features artistic and sporting performances by students from Egyptian universities, as well as electronic, recreational, and traditional games bringing together young people from universities across Africa.