As part of preparations for the launch of the 12th African University Games “Cairo 2026,” Egypt will host the Games from September 8 to 16, 2026, with the participation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the African University Sports Federation, and the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation.

Under the patronage of Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, the torch relay of the African University Games was launched from the headquarters of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the New Capital, beginning its journey across Egyptian universities. The relay carries a symbolic message reflecting the readiness of Egyptian universities to welcome the African delegations participating in “Cairo 2026.”

The Games are being held with the participation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, headed by Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa; the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Mr. Gowhar Nabil; the African University Sports Federation, headed by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Vice Chairman of the Games’ Higher Committee; and the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdy, Chairman of the Games’ Organizing Committee.

The Egyptian E-Learning University was the first stop of the torch relay at Egyptian universities. The university organized a ceremony attended by students from the university and its branches across 14 Egyptian governorates, reflecting Egypt’s distinctive geographical and cultural diversity.

The event featured a torch handover ceremony among students, during which Dr. Hesham Abdel Salam, President of the University, handed the torch to student Badr Mostafa Kotb, Egypt and Africa table tennis champion. The ceremony witnessed broad student participation, reflecting the enthusiasm, sense of belonging, and spirit of participation surrounding this continental sporting event.

Dr. Hesham Abdel Salam emphasized that the university places great importance on student and sports activities and is committed to supporting various events aimed at enhancing youth participation. He noted that the university’s participation in the torch relay reaffirms its role in supporting university sports and strengthening communication between Egyptian students and African university youth.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdy, Acting Vice President of the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation and Secretary-General of the Federation, emphasized that the torch relay carries an important symbolic message highlighting the role of Egyptian universities in supporting university sports and strengthening communication between the youth of Egypt and the African continent.

He added that the torch’s journey between Egyptian universities provides students with an opportunity to participate in preparations for the Games and express their welcome to the African delegations. He affirmed that the Federation is committed to supporting the activities accompanying the Games in a manner that contributes to promoting a culture of university sports and reinforcing the values of fair competition, teamwork, and friendship among university students.

The torch relay will continue its journey across Egyptian universities according to the scheduled timetable, reaching Cairo University on August 25, the British University on August 26, Badr University on August 30, the American University in Cairo on August 31, Ain Shams University on September 1, and Capital University on September 3, 2026.

The torch relay represents one of the most prominent preparations for the launch of “Cairo 2026” and highlights the participation of Egyptian universities in this continental event, promoting the values of sportsmanship, belonging, friendship, and communication among Egyptian and African university youth.