Romania has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa’s sustainable development and Francophone cooperation through a new financial contribution to Senghor University in Alexandria, Egypt. The initiative, facilitated by Romanian authorities in partnership with global cybersecurity leader Bitdefender, supports the symbolic inauguration of the University’s new Borg El Arab campus on 9 May 2026.
The state-of-the-art campus, built by the Egyptian government to double Senghor University’s student capacity, was inaugurated in the presence of President Abdelfattah El Sisi of Egypt and President Emmanuel Macron of France. Olivia Toderean, Ambassador of Romania to Egypt and President of the Francophone Ambassadors Group (GAAF), represented Romania at the event.
Romania’s contribution will finance computer equipment for Senghor University’s students and faculty, directly strengthening excellence programmes in health, management, environment, and culture — fields critical to Africa’s development agenda. The initiative also opens the door for future cooperation in cybersecurity, tailored to the University’s evolving needs.
The donation aligns with Romania’s strategy “Romania – Africa: A Partnership for the Future through Peace, Development and Education” and underscores its expanding role within La Francophonie. Romania is now the seventh-largest financial contributor to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and a key political pillar of the organization.
The initiative coincides with the 120th anniversary of Romanian-Egyptian bilateral relations in 2026, reflecting Romania’s decision to complement Egypt’s investment in the new campus with its own targeted support.
This year, Romania reinforced its commitment to a balanced, Africa-centered Francophonie by officially endorsing former Prime Minister and current presidential adviser Dacian Cioloș for Secretary-General of La Francophonie. The country’s priorities include deepening international development cooperation among Francophone states, mobilizing public and private stakeholders for pragmatic solutions, and advancing the academic, scientific, and economic dimensions of the Francophonie as drivers of stability.
Voices from the Initiative
“I am grateful for this contribution to the education of the new generations of African elites. Romania is proving, once more, that we can bring together our strengths and energies, beyond borders and continents, in support of a shared vision of a flourishing Francophonie, with Africa at its heart and with the engagement of all regions,” said Dacian Cioloș, presidential adviser and candidate for the position of Secretary-General of La Francophonie.
“For 25 years, supporting education and academic initiatives has been a constant priority for Bitdefender. We believe that investing in the next generation of talent is essential for building a more secure and resilient digital future, and we are proud to contribute to institutions such as Senghor University in Alexandria that are shaping tomorrow’s leaders,” said Răzvan Mureșan, Director of Global Corporate Communications, Bitdefender.
Senghor University established after the 1989 Senegal Summit as a direct operator of La Francophonie dedicated to African development, Senghor University trains future decision-makers from over 20 African countries, Haiti, and the Indian Ocean region. Its master’s and professional programmes in sustainable development fields aim to build a new generation of African leaders driving change across the continent.
