Latest news with #UM6P
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P Teams Up With Maghreb Steel and France's Naval Group to Bolster Maritime Technologies
Rabat — Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Maghreb Steel, and France's Naval Group signed a preliminary cooperation agreement in Rabat last week, to bolster Morocco's industrial sovereignty and defense capabilities. The partnership, signed on July 9, lays the groundwork for joint research and innovation projects in maritime technologies — spanning both civilian and military applications — and aligns with Morocco's Royal Atlantic Initiative aimed at developing the country's strategic industries. At the heart of the agreement are three priorities: advancing applied research, enhancing industrial skills, and creating a technological foundation for shipbuilding. Research and development activities will take place primarily at UM6P 's Benguerir campus, integrating the expertise of Naval Group and the industrial know-how of Maghreb Steel. The collaboration targets key areas such as advanced materials, innovative manufacturing techniques, and specialized maritime solutions — seen as critical to supporting Morocco's growing ambitions in the defense and shipbuilding sectors. The agreement was also endorsed by France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), with its director, Emmanuel Chiva, present at the signing ceremony. During his visit, Chiva announced the creation of a Moroccan-French Joint Armament Committee, tasked with steering and overseeing the projects under this agreement. The committee is expected to play a vital role in coordinating strategic priorities, promoting technology transfer, and fostering co- innovation in sensitive areas like defense, energy, and manufacturing. A step toward industrial sovereignty The agreement reflects Morocco's broader vision of establishing an industrial and technological defense base (BITD) that reduces reliance on imports and strengthens local capabilities. Following the signing, Morocco's Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudyi, hosted a high-level meeting with the French delegation. Senior Moroccan military and security officials also attended the discussions, during which they endorsed the proposal to create the joint armament committee. This institutional mechanism is seen as a key tool to advance Morocco's sovereign ambitions in defense, ensuring the training of Moroccan engineers, fostering local innovation, and supporting the country's resilience in the face of global geopolitical challenges. Beyond its technical and industrial dimensions, the agreement exemplifies the deepening political and strategic relationship between Morocco and France. Both countries have expressed their commitment to building a strong bilateral partnership that can address emerging challenges and opportunities in defense and advanced industries. By investing in homegrown innovation and leveraging international expertise, Morocco is taking concrete steps to assert its sovereignty, strengthen its industrial base, and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape. Tags: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)naval groupUM6P
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Bridge Africa Summit Challenges Old Models of African Leadership
More than 130 young African leaders from across 30 countries have gathered for the second edition of the Bridge Africa Summit, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University from July 17 to 19 in Benguerir. The summit, themed 'A New African Leadership', focuses on a leadership model rooted in reality, local knowledge and shared responsibility – an approach the organisers say is urgently needed to navigate the continent's major social and economic transitions. University president Hicham El Habti kicked off the summit, saying: 'Africa is the continent of the future. Fair enough. But that's only part of the story. The whole story is that the future we speak of will not arrive on its own… It must be shaped intentionally and collectively.' Hicham El Habti – President of UM6P Structured over three days, the summit's agenda moves through immersion in local transformation efforts, a phase of collective co-creation, and a final segment centred on action and long-term engagement. Sessions span public policy, social innovation, political economy, and hands-on workshops. Khalid Baddou, Chair of Bridge Africa, made it clear that this gathering is more than a parade of young African talents: 'It's not simply about identifying promising profiles, but about creating the conditions for a collective exercise of responsibility.' Participants explored the university's research centres, start-ups and tech labs, linking theory with tangible African innovation. These immersive experiences are a core part of the summit's philosophy. Khalid Baddou, Chair of Bridge Africa The Bridge Africa framework, launched last year, has already borne fruit. Since its inaugural summit, five youth-led initiatives have emerged: a tech challenge connecting Moroccan and Cameroonian students; a leadership academy in Mali; climate and textile innovation projects in Kenya and Benin; and a pan-African Bridge Academy delivering free, high-impact training. Attendees also observed a minute of silence to pay tribute to Kalou Dieudonné, a young Ivorian leader from the Bridge Africa community, who passed away this year. As the Bridge Africa summit closes, participants will present a collective declaration urging African decision-makers to reframe leadership through lived experience, local knowledge, and ethical responsibility. 'The most dangerous myth about leadership is that it's individual. You don't lead alone. You lead with, not over,' said Mr El Habti. 'And leadership, when it's done right, is not an identity. It's a responsibility.' Tags: Bridge AfricaMohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)UM6P
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P Builds Bridges with Moroccan Talents in Norway to Drive Collaborative Innovation
Rabat – A strategic dialogue between representatives from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and Norway-based talents took place in Oslo on Monday. Supported by the Moroccan embassy in Norway, the event served as a bridge between Morocco's diaspora and UM6P, with the university seizing the event as a platform to share its vision as a key player in research and innovation in Africa, a statement from the Moroccan university said. During the event, UM6P held discussions with Moroccan professionals who are active in different sectors, including energy transition, information technology, healthcare, and other industry sectors identified as priorities for the country's development. 'These exchanges helped identify practical mechanisms to support professional integration, skills transfer, and the co-development of innovation projects,' UM6P said in a statement. The university also seeks to shed light on various collaboration opportunities available to the diaspora. Morocco's ambassador to Norway, Nabila Freidji, introduced 'Mor•way', an initiative dedicated to supporting Moroccan talents residing in Norway. The initiative is the first digital platform dedicated to supporting Moroccan professionals in Norway, highlighting the geographic diversity of Morocco's expertise abroad by creating strong professional networks capable of supporting impactful projects between Morocco and its diaspora. 'By organizing talents based on sectors and innovation fields, the 'Mor•way' platform offers a structured framework that goes beyond informal networking,' the statement said, noting that the initiative aims to 'foster high-impact projects in fields such as scientific research, engineering, entrepreneurship, and new technologies.' UM6P says it plays a dual role in the initiative by contributing its expertise in structuring innovation communities as well as serving as an institutional bridge, helping to integrate diaspora expertise into Morocco's national development strategies.
Entrepreneur
11-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How The NBPA and a Top African University Are Building Player Legacies Off the Court
One Court Africa hosted NBA players at UM6P in Marrakech for a four-day program focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable business, which included mentoring six African startups and awarding $160K in grants through its Innovation Challenge. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The bridge between the African continent and the NBA was first built by legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and the late Dikembe Mutombo — trailblazers who not only dominated on the court but gave back to the communities that shaped them. Today, that legacy is expanding. Earlier this summer, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) partnered with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), one of Africa's leading institutions, to launch One Court Africa — a four-day experience in Marrakech, Morocco, aimed at helping NBA players explore social entrepreneurship while supporting the next generation of African-led innovators. Held from June 16 to 20 at UM6P's Africa Business School, the program featured immersive workshops, case studies, and discussions on impact investing and sustainable business models to address pressing societal and environmental challenges. It reflects a growing desire among players to expand their global impact, honor the African diaspora, and establish a lasting legacy beyond the game. "I think it's a great opportunity to come here and learn about investing in the continent, to understand the challenges it faces, and how you can make an impact if that's something you're passionate about," says Wizards guard and One Court attendee Malcolm Brogdon. "The way the event was put together and thoughtfully curated supports that." For fellow attendee Gabe Vincent, a Nigerian-born guard for the Lakers, the initiative hits even closer to home. "I've been coming to Africa since I was 10 years old," Vincent says. "My first trip was to Ghana, and I got to see some of the poverty up close. I saw people struggle on a level we can't relate to in the United States. Ever since then, I've wanted to make an impact with whatever resources I could gain through the NBA." Related: Pro Athletes Are Slam Dunking in the Business Arena Building the blueprint One Court Africa was born out of a previous NBPA program called One Court Milan, which focused on the luxury and fashion industries. During one session, the NBPA piloted a new module centered on impact investing and sustainability. According to Chief Player Experience Officer Matteo Zuretti, it was a breakthrough. "Garrett Temple, one of our longtime vice presidents and a respected veteran, came to me and said, 'Matteo, I can't believe I'm just now being exposed to this, at 35 or 36 years old,'" Zuretti recalls. "He told me, 'I've loved the work I've done in philanthropy, and I enjoy my entrepreneurial and investment projects, but the idea of being equipped to do it through impact investing is transformational for me. I want to learn more, and we need to expose more players to this.'" That conversation became the spark that ignited the vision for One Court Africa. Recognizing the importance of having a strong partner in the region, the NBPA joined forces with Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), a private university based in Morocco. "We've been working with the NBPA to design a learning program based in Africa focused on impact investing and social entrepreneurship," says Head of UM6P U.S. Mehdi EL Khatib. "Our goal is to help players create a lasting impact that benefits both their communities and their investments. We co-designed the program from the ground up, tailoring it to how players learn and addressing their specific needs." Related: How NBA-Legend Carmelo Anthony Is Betting on Bud — and Equity Off-court competition As part of the One Court Africa experience, the NBPA and UM6P hosted an Innovation Challenge — a pitch competition designed to support African-led, growth-stage startups through mentorship, exposure, and direct investment. Six startups were selected from a pool of over 400 applicants in an open call spanning the entire continent, not just Morocco. "We knew we wanted to give grants to startups, and making it a competition was a fun way to do that," says Erika Swiley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation. "It was also important to open it up to the entire continent, not just Morocco." After narrowing the field to 30 with help from UM6P, a panel of judges heard directly from the founders and selected the final six to travel to Marrakech. Once on campus, the startups received additional training and were paired with small groups of NBA players. In breakout sessions, players helped founders refine their pitches, while the startups equipped the players with enough insight to effectively advocate on their behalf. In the final session, each startup pitched to the full group. The players then took on a dual role, acting as both advocates and judges. They made the case for why their assigned startup stood out in terms of financial potential and social impact, then voted for two ventures: one from their group and one from outside of it. "It was like they were on a basketball court, the way they were going at each other," says Matteo Zuretti, Chief Player Experience Officer. "This format sparked a high level of active, passionate participation." To ensure that no one left empty-handed, the NBPA Foundation committed a total of $160,000 in funding. The top startup, Kodu Technology, received $50,000, followed by $40,000 to Debbo Africa, $30,000 to XChangeBOX, and $20,000 to Yellow App. The remaining two, Lima African and Novate, each received $10,000. "Since the founders were traveling all the way to Morocco, it was important that we invested in them meaningfully," Swiley says. By all accounts — from players to executives — One Court Africa not only met expectations, but it exceeded them. "It's always special to see players embrace their curiosity, whether that's traveling the world to become more informed global citizens or seeking out new experiences here in the States," says Zuretti. "But this one, in particular, felt especially fulfilling.
Entrepreneur
11-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How The NBA and a Top African University Are Building Player Legacies Off the Court
One Court Africa hosted NBA players at UM6P in Marrakech for a four-day program focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable business, which included mentoring six African startups and awarding $160K in grants through its Innovation Challenge. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The bridge between the African continent and the NBA was first built by legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and the late Dikembe Mutombo — trailblazers who not only dominated on the court but gave back to the communities that shaped them. Today, that legacy is expanding. Earlier this summer, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) partnered with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), one of Africa's leading institutions, to launch One Court Africa — a four-day experience in Marrakech, Morocco, aimed at helping NBA players explore social entrepreneurship while supporting the next generation of African-led innovators. Held from June 16 to 20 at UM6P's Africa Business School, the program featured immersive workshops, case studies, and discussions on impact investing and sustainable business models to address pressing societal and environmental challenges. It reflects a growing desire among players to expand their global impact, honor the African diaspora, and establish a lasting legacy beyond the game. "I think it's a great opportunity to come here and learn about investing in the continent, to understand the challenges it faces, and how you can make an impact if that's something you're passionate about," says Wizards guard and One Court attendee Malcolm Brogdon. "The way the event was put together and thoughtfully curated supports that." For fellow attendee Gabe Vincent, a Nigerian-born guard for the Lakers, the initiative hits even closer to home. "I've been coming to Africa since I was 10 years old," Vincent says. "My first trip was to Ghana, and I got to see some of the poverty up close. I saw people struggle on a level we can't relate to in the United States. Ever since then, I've wanted to make an impact with whatever resources I could gain through the NBA." Related: Pro Athletes Are Slam Dunking in the Business Arena Building the blueprint One Court Africa was born out of a previous NBPA program called One Court Milan, which focused on the luxury and fashion industries. During one session, the NBPA piloted a new module centered on impact investing and sustainability. According to Chief Player Experience Officer Matteo Zuretti, it was a breakthrough. "Garrett Temple, one of our longtime vice presidents and a respected veteran, came to me and said, 'Matteo, I can't believe I'm just now being exposed to this, at 35 or 36 years old,'" Zuretti recalls. "He told me, 'I've loved the work I've done in philanthropy, and I enjoy my entrepreneurial and investment projects, but the idea of being equipped to do it through impact investing is transformational for me. I want to learn more, and we need to expose more players to this.'" That conversation became the spark that ignited the vision for One Court Africa. Recognizing the importance of having a strong partner in the region, the NBAPA joined forces with Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), a private university based in Morocco. "We've been working with the NBPA to design a learning program based in Africa focused on impact investing and social entrepreneurship," says Head of UM6P U.S. Mehdi EL Khatib. "Our goal is to help players create a lasting impact that benefits both their communities and their investments. We co-designed the program from the ground up, tailoring it to how players learn and addressing their specific needs." Related: How NBA-Legend Carmelo Anthony Is Betting on Bud — and Equity Off-court competition As part of the One Court Africa experience, the NBPA and UM6P hosted an Innovation Challenge — a pitch competition designed to support African-led, growth-stage startups through mentorship, exposure, and direct investment. Six startups were selected from a pool of over 400 applicants in an open call spanning the entire continent, not just Morocco. "We knew we wanted to give grants to startups, and making it a competition was a fun way to do that," says Erika Swiley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation. "It was also important to open it up to the entire continent, not just Morocco." After narrowing the field to 30 with help from UM6P, a panel of judges heard directly from the founders and selected the final six to travel to Marrakech. Once on campus, the startups received additional training and were paired with small groups of NBA players. In breakout sessions, players helped founders refine their pitches, while the startups equipped the players with enough insight to effectively advocate on their behalf. In the final session, each startup pitched to the full group. The players then took on a dual role, acting as both advocates and judges. They made the case for why their assigned startup stood out in terms of financial potential and social impact, then voted for two ventures: one from their group and one from outside of it. "It was like they were on a basketball court, the way they were going at each other," says Matteo Zuretti, Chief Player Experience Officer. "This format sparked a high level of active, passionate participation." To ensure that no one left empty-handed, the NBPA Foundation committed a total of $160,000 in funding. The top startup, Kodu Technology, received $50,000, followed by $40,000 to Debbo Africa, $30,000 to XChangeBOX, and $20,000 to Yellow App. The remaining two, Lima African and Novate, each received $10,000. "Since the founders were traveling all the way to Morocco, it was important that we invested in them meaningfully," Swiley says. By all accounts — from players to executives — One Court Africa not only met expectations, but it exceeded them. "It's always special to see players embrace their curiosity, whether that's traveling the world to become more informed global citizens or seeking out new experiences here in the States," says Zuretti. "But this one, in particular, felt especially fulfilling.
