“I am Egyptian… I am African”.. An Integrated Intellectual Experience Reshaping African Consciousness at Ahram Canadian University

Cairo -Maii Abdo:

At Ahram Canadian University Giza, Egypt – Within a growing movement to rediscover the African depth of the Egyptian identity, Ahram Canadian University (ACU) concluded its prominent program,

“I am Egyptian… I am African.”

Held on April 14–15, 2026, in collaboration with the University’s Sustainable Development Office and the “Afromedia” Initiative for African Journalism and Media, the event provided a holistic model blending academic discourse with practical application, featuring a distinguished assembly of experts, diplomats, and students.

The program was held under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Khaled Hamdy, President of the University, and Prof. Dr. Amal Fawzy, Vice President, with the supervision of Dr. Ragaa Magdy, Director of the Sustainable Development Office.

The initiative underscored the vital role of academic institutions in fostering genuine awareness of continental issues and encouraging youth engagement in Africa’s developmental paths.

A Foundation for African ConsciousnessThe opening session emphasized the necessity of reintroducing Africa through a modern lens.

Mr. Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the “Afromedia” initiative, explained that since its inception in 2021, the initiative has sought to empower African youth through education and training, enhancing their capacity to tackle contemporary challenges and build a future rooted in integration.University President Prof. Dr. Khaled Hamdy stressed that embedding the African dimension into student consciousness is a strategic necessity.

He noted that Egypt has historically served as a crossroads of civilizations and that reclaiming this extension is part of the university’s responsibility to prepare cadres capable of interacting with their regional and international surroundings.

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Fayez Farahat pointed out that Egyptian identity is intrinsically linked to its African roots, noting Egypt’s growing role within the continent, particularly in climate change and international cooperation.

African Bilateral Relations: A Deep Diplomatic VisionIn one of the program’s most significant sessions, Ambassador Mohamed Karim Sherif, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, delivered a comprehensive strategic reading of Egyptian-African relations. The session, moderated by researcher Hassan Ghazaly, highlighted that Africa sits at the forefront of Egypt’s foreign policy priorities.

Ambassador Sherif noted that this focus is directly supported by Foreign Minister Ambassador Badr Abdelatty, who prioritizes communication with youth as the pillar of future international relations. He explained that Egypt adopts a principle of “Strategic Balance,” reflecting a deep understanding of the importance of stabilizing Egypt’s African identity and correcting misconceptions regarding this belonging.

The Ambassador highlighted the Nile Basin as a strategic depth and national security priority, alongside increasing interest in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, asserting that security and development are two sides of the same coin.

Economic Integration and the AfCFTAThe program also delved into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Samar Al-Bagouri emphasized that the African Union relies on eight regional blocs as pillars for integration.

She explained that African integration transcends economics to include political, infrastructural, and social dimensions under “Agenda 2063,” the continent’s roadmap for the future.Despite challenges related to infrastructure and internal crises, the session concluded that Egypt possesses the requisite capabilities—owing to its diversified economy and advanced infrastructure—to play a pivotal role in supporting the agreement.

From Knowledge to Practice: Specialized Workshops

On the practical side, the program featured specialized workshops, most notably “Debate and Negotiation Skills” presented by Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar. Participants engaged in simulations that enhanced their critical thinking and effective communication skills, learning to build arguments on scientific foundations and manage professional dialogues.The event also showcased rising media talents.

The sessions were moderated and presented by Al-Hasnaa Sherif and Tasbeeh Ali, students and alumnae of the Faculty of Mass Communication at ACU. Their professional performance reflected the university’s success in nurturing young media professionals capable of handling complex regional and international issues.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

The program concluded with a set of recommendations addressing current continental issues through a methodical approach. The outcomes stressed the importance of sustaining such initiatives that bridge the gap between education and application.

“I am Egyptian… I am African” succeeded in redefining identity with greater depth and breadth. Its true impact remains in the minds of the participants, who are now more connected to Africa—and more prepared to help shape its future.