The AlignVET project, funded by the EU's Erasmus+ programme, aims to develop vocational curricula based on industry needs.
Egypt's ready-made garments and home textiles sector is participating in the EU-funded AlignVET project, which seeks to align technical and vocational education with labor market demands. Workshops held in Sweden brought together Egyptian and European partners to create curricula based on skills identified by industry leaders. The Ready-Made Garments and Home Textiles Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries is a key participant, contributing to the identification of necessary job skills.
Mohamed Abdel Salam, Chairperson of the Ready-Made Garments and Home Textiles Chamber, emphasized that manufacturers are best positioned to define the skills needed in factories, making their input crucial for graduate preparedness. He noted the sector's rapid technological changes necessitate continuous workforce development to boost competitiveness and exports. Alaa Ashmawy, Chairperson of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE), stated the project connects educational institutions, practical training, and employers.
The AlignVET project will integrate modern skills like artificial intelligence and data analysis into vocational programs, according to Jan Henry Hanna, Acting President of Beni Suef Technological University. The first curriculum for the garments sector is expected by June 2027. The initiative aims to create a sustainable model where employers play a central role in shaping future training programs to ensure graduates possess market-relevant capabilities.
Why it mattersEgyptian technical education programs are being updated to better match the skills required by the ready-made garments and home textiles industry, potentially improving graduate employability.
Read in ASJ →The new electronic payment card replaces the ration card and is being rolled out gradually across the country by the Supply and Internal Trade Ministry.
Egypt Post is playing a central role in the gradual rollout of the unified card, a new electronic payment tool replacing the traditional ration card. The Supply and Internal Trade Ministry announced that citizens can obtain the card free of charge by opening a personal account at an Egypt Post office, providing national ID and registered mobile number details. The card features a smart fingerprint to ensure services reach eligible recipients.
The unified card functions as a prepaid electronic instrument for depositing or receiving funds, making purchases at merchant point-of-sale terminals, and withdrawing cash from National Post Authority ATMs. It can also be used for digital government services, disbursing subsidized bread and rationed goods, and for comprehensive health insurance payments. Distribution instructions are sent via text message to heads of households, directing them to specific post or supply offices within a set timeframe.
Family members over 16 will receive individual cards for health insurance and payment services, while the head of household receives the main card covering subsidized food and bread for the entire family. Cards are available for collection at designated centers for one month from the date of the text message. Payment services activate immediately, with food subsidy and health insurance activation to be announced later. Citizens can call 15999 for collection information if no message is received.
Why it mattersEgyptians are affected by the new unified card as it changes how they receive subsidized goods, make payments, and access health insurance services.
Read in ASJ →The Ministry of Education referred a school principal and social media administrator for disciplinary action after a fabricated AI image and false post about a mandatory face.
Egypt's Ministry of Education and Technical Education has disciplined school administrators after a social media post falsely claimed a mandatory face veil policy at Nagaa Said Preparatory Co-educational School. The ministry stated the post was published in error and promptly removed. The school principal and the administrator of the school's Facebook page have been referred to legal affairs for disciplinary action.
Accompanying the false claim was an image showing female students in niqabs, which the ministry confirmed was an AI-generated fake not reflecting the school's reality. All schools nationwide must adhere to Ministerial Decree #167 of 2023, which standardizes school uniforms for public and private institutions. The ministry stressed that official school social media pages must accurately reflect educational guidelines.
This action aims to regulate content on official school channels, prevent the spread of misinformation, and ensure administrative accountability across educational institutions. The ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining accurate and precise communication regarding school policies and environments.
Why it mattersSchool administrators are affected by disciplinary action and a new directive to ensure accuracy in official communications, impacting their professional standing and operational procedures.
Read in ASJ →The Central Bank of Egypt reported a rise in net foreign assets to $28.418bn, equivalent to EGP 1.454trn, in July 2026.
Egypt's banking sector saw its net foreign assets increase to $28.418bn, or EGP 1.454trn, in July 2026. This marks an increase from June 2026, when net foreign assets stood at $27.965bn, equivalent to EGP 1.378trn. The US dollar's exchange rate against the Egyptian pound also shifted, standing at EGP 51.1934 in July compared to approximately EGP 49.2763 in June.
Total foreign assets within the banking system, including the Central Bank and other banks, reached EGP 5.146trn in July, up from EGP 4.939trn in June. Foreign liabilities also saw an increase, rising to EGP 3.691trn from EGP 3.591trn in the previous month. Net foreign assets are a key indicator of the banking sector's stability and its capacity to manage foreign currency.
The Central Bank of Egypt also noted changes in domestic liquidity and deposits. Domestic liquidity rose to EGP 15.499trn in July from EGP 15.261trn in June. Non-government deposits in local currency increased to EGP 10.443trn, while foreign-currency deposits grew to EGP 3.425trn. Money supply slightly declined to EGP 4.489trn.
Why it mattersInvestors are affected by the increase in net foreign assets, which indicates greater banking stability and resilience in Egypt.
Read in ASJ →Egypt's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency is showcasing domestic products at the China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair to boost international.
Egypt's participation in the 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) in Guangzhou aims to open new global market avenues for domestic products and foster trade cooperation. Mostafa Hassan, chief executive of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), stated that the agency is representing Egypt at the event, which runs from September 3 to 6. The Egyptian pavilion features clients from the food, clothing, and traditional handicraft sectors, with representation from various governorates including Cairo, Sohag, Fayoum, Marsa Matrouh, Ismailia, Gharbia, and Menoufia.
Hassan highlighted that the fair serves as a crucial platform for establishing communication channels with international companies and investors. Participants can engage in bilateral meetings, forge new partnerships, and gain insights into global market demands and modern production trends. This initiative, coordinated with the Egyptian General Authority for Exhibitions and Conventions, supports state objectives to strengthen economic ties with China and facilitate knowledge exchange among SME owners.
The agency's presence at CISMEF aligns with directives from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who also chairs MSMEDA's board, to increase exports. The event, organized by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, has historically attracted numerous exhibitors and visitors, with over 56,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and 4 million visitors across its 20 previous editions.
Why it mattersEgyptian small and medium enterprises are affected by gaining access to international markets and identifying global production trends.
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