Egypt is hosting workshops on the benefits of smart learning technology in a bid to promote the adoption of e-learning by its neighbours in North Africa and the Middle East.

The country's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is conducting the workshops through its Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) in parts of the region with the aim of laying a foundation for developing new models for smart learning.

The first of these workshops where ITIDA presented the methods and technology of smart learning was held at Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in Dubai.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor at HBMSU which played host to the workshops following a meeting the Chancellor had with the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology says technological innovations can help to redevelop education for the region.

"Through this new partnership supported by the governments of the UAE and Egypt, we look forward to shaping the future of Higher Education in the Arab World through optimal investment in modern technology. Together, we shall work towards achieving the strategic and ambitious aspiration to make smart learning an essential pillar for upgrading the education sector, while strengthening the presence of the Arab World as a leading global center of excellence in knowledge, educational and academics."

ITIDA also considered the potential of the IT industry in relation to e-learning and efforts to integrate Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into the educational process, as well as developing smart educational content to serve them.

Exhibitions on projects and programs by the e-Learning Competence Centre (ELCC) and the Egyptian e-Learning University were also showcased during the workshops.

"It is our responsibility to share our extensive expertise and transfer our leading experiences in smart education to those who are involved in the development of education and learning in the Arab World. This ambitious move will ensure the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all and will support entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, thus contributing to the activation of the role of the Arab Region in achieving the objectives of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for 2030," adds Al Awar.

H.E. Yasser ElKady, Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology shared during the eLearning Africa conference held in Cairo last year that there is a growing desire among ministers, businessmen and education experts across Africa for access to opportunities offered by ICT in education.

"We are not going to wait until 2063 (the deadline set by the AU for a transformed continent)," El Kady declared.