Iman El Shaarawy: Senghor University reflects Egypt's trend to enhance its soft power in Africa

Dr. Iman Al-Shaarawi, Director of Masarat Center for Strategic Studies and a specialist in African affairs, affirmed that the opening of the new headquarters of Senghor University carries many important political, cultural and developmental implications, and reflects the Egyptian state’s orientation towards strengthening its presence in the African continent through soft power tools, foremost among them education, culture and building human cadres, in addition to its traditional political and economic roles.

Hosting major African and international institutions and events

In statements to “Zoom Africa News”, El Shaarawy explained that the opening of the university at this time confirms the ability of the Egyptian state to host major African and international institutions and events, noting that Egypt has become an important center for African convergence, in light of the security and stability it enjoys, which is also evident in its hosting of many African cultural events, including the African Film Festival, which includes participants from more than 34 African countries.

She added that the university represents part of Egypt’s vision aimed at supporting sustainable development and promoting integration with African countries, through investing in the African people and training cadres capable of leading development efforts within the continent.

Regarding the French side, she noted that cooperation within the framework of Senghor University reflects shifts in the French approach towards Africa, as France is currently moving towards adopting tools more related to education, academic and cultural partnerships and support for young people, instead of traditional patterns of influence associated with the colonial past.

Establishing branches and programs for Egyptian universities within the African continent

El Shaarawy emphasized the importance of expanding the establishment of branches and programs of Egyptian universities across the African continent. This would strengthen Egypt's educational role and deepen its academic and cultural presence in Africa, particularly given the increasing demand for education, training, and capacity building on the continent. She also called for increased opportunities for Egyptian students to enroll at Senghor University, which would contribute to creating a more diverse learning environment and fostering the exchange of experiences between Egyptian and African youth, thus preparing a generation with a deeper understanding of African issues.

She pointed out that Egypt can benefit from Senghor University as a platform for developing young African leaders who have long-term ties with Egypt after graduation, explaining that the university’s graduates, many of whom hold leadership positions in their countries, represent a human network that supports the Egyptian presence within the continent, thus indirectly and sustainably enhancing Egypt’s positive influence.

She also explained that the university's alumni association represents an opportunity to build a long-term strategic network of relationships with future leaders in Africa, which supports areas of developmental, political, economic and cultural cooperation between Egypt and African countries.

She added that the presence of African cadres who received their education and training within Egypt contributes to facilitating the implementation of joint development projects, and opens the door to broader opportunities for cooperation in the fields of investment, education and health, as well as enhancing the positive mental image of Egypt as a country that supports development and the building of the African human being.