Cairo – The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Alexandria University announced the launch of the first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day for technical school students at an event highlighting the role of vocational education in supporting a strong and successful private sector. 

“Egypt’s prosperity depends very much on creating jobs for its youth and creating an environment in which innovation and creativity can flourish,” said USAID Mission Director Mary C. Ott. “Technical education has great potential to support an innovation-based economy, as shown by the initiative, inventions, and testimonials seen here today.”

With support from USAID, the Grants, Innovation, and Technology Transfer Center at Alexandria University has provided technical and soft skills training to over 3,000 trainees. The project’s major activities focus on training and employing graduates in the food processing, chemical industry, readymade garment, and tourism sectors, as well as providing on-the-job training for existing workers in these sectors. The project also established technical school innovation clubs in which students receive technical support to develop and enhance their ideas and prototypes.

The U.S. Government, through USAID, supports Egypt’s economic growth through initiatives such as mentoring entrepreneurs, working with farmers to raise export-quality crops, and making it easier to start a business.