CAIRO: The international business software provider SAP signed a deal with three universities in Egypt to help students acquire the skills needed in the regional job market. Through SAP's University Alliance Program, students at Cairo University, Ain Shams University and the German University in Cairo will now have access to SAP's business solutions. Students will get hands-on experience into how technology empowers businesses by optimizing key processes such as accounting, human capital management, project planning, sales and distribution. "We [at SAP] recognize the importance of education which is why we are cooperating with universities, said Sergio Maccotta, managing director of SAP Middle East and North Africa. "This program provides students with the tools that drive business development, we are enhancing human capital which is a key aspect of business development in a country, he added. SAP's programs provide a multi-level training concept for academic lectures and the development of course materials. By the time they graduate, students will have a thorough understanding of how technology can facilitate integrated business processes and strategic thinking, which would in return give them better employment opportunities. There are approximately 150,000 students from 700 universities around the world who are currently learning SAP business solutions. Representatives from each university expressed their appreciation of the program, which they expect will contribute to the development of the information technology (IT) market in Egypt. "This cooperation is of major importance for Egyptian companies and for the region as a whole, said Ralph Klischewski from the German University in Cairo. "The benefit from this program is immediate for the students as any company will want to hire them with their qualifications, he explained. "Companies wouldn't have to invest in them as much because they will have all the necessary skills when they start working, he added. The alliance between SAP, Cairo University and Ain Shams University is the result of 18-month negotiations between the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Universities had to update their curriculum to suite the program. "The SAP program started in Egypt first at Cairo University and Ain Shams University. if it is successful, the program will be [implemented] in other universities in Egypt, said Essam Khalifa, dean of the faculty of computer science at Ain Shams University. For now, the program will only be available for seniors. "Our students are very strong on the technical level however they lack a business background which is needed in the job market, said Ali Fahmy, dean of the faculty of computer science at Cairo University. This is the first time SAP cooperates with universities in the region. "We started this program in Egypt as it has the best educational infrastructure in the area and a rapidly growing market, said Maccotta. They plan to roll out the program all over the Middle East in the near future. "SAP is helping fulfill the increasing demand for skilled resources that is emerging from a rapidly growing IT market. Students will be graduating with the skills necessary not only to work in the industry but the knowledge to contribute to its development, said Maccotta. "Egypt has shown incredible potential in recent years and our partnership with Cairo University, Ain Shams University and the German University in Cairo is a testament to SAP's commitment to Egypt's emerging IT market, he added.
