Cairo University strengthens Egypt's presence in Africa with an international journal headed by the president.

Written by Omnia Hassan

In a move reflecting Egypt's growing interest in the African continent, Cairo University launched the first issue of its international peer-reviewed journal, "African Tributes," coinciding with the celebration of African Tributes Day.  AfricaTo be a new academic and intellectual platform that supports the Egyptian presence in the African continent, and enhances scientific and cultural cooperation between African countries.

President Abdel Fattah  Sisi The cover of the first issue, in reference to the role that the Egyptian state has played in recent years in rebuilding and strengthening relations with African countries at the political, economic, cultural and developmental levels.

An academic platform to promote Egyptian-African relations

The journal is published by the Faculty of African Graduate Studies at Cairo University, under the chairmanship of the Board of Directors, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadek, President of the University, while the Editor-in-Chief is Dr. Attia Mahmoud Tantawi, Dean of the Faculty.

The journal aims to provide sound scientific content that addresses African issues from multiple angles, including politics, economics, development, culture and the environment.

The President of Cairo University affirmed that the launch of «African Tributaries» comes at a time of significant activity in Egyptian-African relations, especially in light of the Egyptian orientation towards strengthening partnerships with the countries of the continent and supporting development efforts and regional integration.

«Africa: A Shared Destiny»

The first issue bears the slogan «Africa as Destiny – Africa as a Shared Destiny,» and includes a collection of studies and analyses that address the future of Egyptian-African relations, Egypt’s role in supporting security and peace on the continent, in addition to files on Egyptian soft power, African natural resources, and the economic transformations that the continent is witnessing in light of international changes.

The issue also discusses issues related to African languages, human capital development, and developmental challenges, reflecting the magazine's orientation towards building a specialized intellectual platform that opens the field to researchers and academics from within and outside Africa.

Supporting Egyptian soft power

Observers believe that the launch of the magazine represents an extension of the historical role that Egypt has played within Africa, especially through educational and cultural institutions, as Cairo seeks to employ scientific research and academic diplomacy to enhance its regional presence.

The journal’s editorial board includes a select group of academics, diplomats, and specialists in African affairs, in a move aimed at providing an international publication that adheres to scientific arbitration standards and supports building knowledge partnerships with research institutions within and outside the continent.

This step is consistent with the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on sustainable development and integration among the peoples of the continent, and on strengthening the role of knowledge in building a more stable and prosperous African future.