The British University in Egypt Leads the Way as Key Partner in the 12th All-Africa University Games “Cairo 2026”

CAIRO, EGYPT – 10 September 2026 – The British University in Egypt today opened the African Scientific Conference on University Sports “Cairo 2026” on its campus, marking one of its principal contributions to the 12th All-Africa University Games. Held under the patronage of H.E. Professor Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, the opening ceremony was led by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohamed Loutfi MBE and H.E. Professor Ashraf Sobhy, President of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) and former Minister of Youth and Sports. The Games are scheduled to run until 16 September 2026.

The opening event was attended by Mr Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), alongside various university leaders, academics, and delegates representing university sports organisations across Africa. The conference showcases 130 research papers addressing the future of university sport, with topics spanning healthy campuses, governance, disability inclusion, anti-doping measures, sports marketing, artificial intelligence and e-sports, talent identification, and sport for peace and sustainable development.

Professor Loutfi highlighted that hosting the conference underscores The British University in Egypt’s belief that a university's mission extends far beyond its physical campus, combining sport and scientific research to strengthen communities. He noted that the institution hosts the headquarters of the Federation of Africa University Sports and serves as FISU’s exclusive academic partner across Africa and the Arab region, bridging academic research with practical application and strategic planning in university sport.

H.E. Professor Ashraf Sobhy emphasised that university sport serves as a vital bridge connecting young people throughout Africa, adding that hosting the conference alongside “Cairo 2026” fosters knowledge exchange and deeper cooperation among African university students.

Beyond the conference, the university is fulfilling multiple vital roles during the Games. As the host of the FASU headquarters, it is accommodating university presidents, senior leaders, and athletic delegations from across Africa on its campus, while offering essential facilities and organisational support. Two weeks prior, the campus hosted the torch relay ceremony for the 12th All-Africa University Games, gathering sports leaders and students ahead of the competitions. The institution is also hosting a dedicated workshop on developing university sport and the African University Vice-Presidents’ Forum, themed “University Sport as a Catalyst for Institutional Excellence and African Development”.

The British University in Egypt noted that its involvement in “Cairo 2026” goes beyond hosting events to actively supporting all participating delegations and institutions, cementing its standing as a central hub for academic and sporting collaboration between Egypt and nations across Africa.

About The British University in Egypt

Following a 1998 Memorandum of Cooperation between the governments of Egypt and the United Kingdom, The British University in Egypt was founded in 2004 as Egypt’s premier private British university. Renowned for academic excellence, robust governance, and high graduate employment rates, it is among the few Egyptian higher education institutions offering ‘dual degrees’ validated by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Universities and UK collaborative partners, including Manchester Metropolitan University, London South Bank University, and Queen Margaret University.

The university is the first QAA-accredited institution in Egypt and North Africa, meeting the 10 European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance. It is also a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum, upholding principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, community service, sustainability, and global enlightenment. Comprising 13 faculties and serving over 13,000 students, The British University in Egypt is widely recognised for its ‘learning by doing’ educational philosophy and dedication to regional and global sustainable development goals.