The British University in Egypt (BUE), a leading private British institution, has entered into a strategic collaboration with AfricInvest, a pan-African private equity firm, for an investment of approximately $40 million. This substantial foreign direct investment in education is contingent on regulatory approvals and stands as one of the largest in Egypt to date. The Khamis family, founders of the university, will maintain majority ownership post the investment. The infusion of capital will empower BUE to enhance its infrastructure, broaden its academic offerings, and explore collaborative opportunities within Africa and the broader region.
Key Points:
- The British University in Egypt (BUE), the foremost private British university in Egypt, has formed a strategic alliance with AfricInvest, a prominent pan-African private equity firm, for a substantial investment of around $40 million.
- Subject to regulatory clearances, this investment represents one of the most significant foreign direct investments in Egypt’s education sector to date. The Khamis family, who established the university, will retain majority ownership.
- BUE’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, underscores the university’s commitment to student-centric education and anticipates leveraging this investment with AfricInvest to advance infrastructure and the overall learning experience.
- Farida Khamis, Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlights that in conjunction with ongoing support from the Egyptian government, this capital infusion will enable the university to build on its founder’s legacy, bolster capabilities, and maintain a prominent position in the educational landscape across Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Founded in 2004, BUE offers a diverse range of dual degree undergraduate and postgraduate programs in collaboration with esteemed academic partners based on the British higher education model.
- The augmented capital will empower BUE to fortify its position in Egypt’s higher education sphere and expand regionally. This includes enlarging existing faculties, establishing new ones, diversifying the curriculum, and implementing enhanced governance mechanisms. Additionally, the university aims to explore collaborative prospects with AfricInvest in Africa and neighboring regions.
The strategic collaboration between the British University in Egypt (BUE) and AfricInvest marks a significant milestone in the expansion and development of higher education in Egypt. The substantial investment will not only strengthen BUE’s position in the local and regional educational landscape but also open up new avenues for collaboration and growth within Africa.
