Las palmas: Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday with the Universities of La Laguna and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to boost joint research and innovation projects across both sides of the Atlantic.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the agreement was signed in Las Palmas by UM6P President Hicham El Habti and the rectors of the two Canary Islands universities, with backing from the regional government. A joint call for projects in priority areas such as technology, sustainability, and innovation is anticipated before the end of the year, co-funded by UM6P and the Canary Islands authorities.
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo remarked that this partnership establishes a foundation for structured cooperation aimed at development and innovation within the shared regional space. He highlighted that this is the first initiative of its kind between a Spanish regional government and an African country outside national frameworks.
UM6P President El Habti praised the agreement as a step forward in regional scientific diplomacy, emphasizing the need for sustainable university networks that deliver tangible local impact. His Spanish counterparts echoed this sentiment, viewing the deal as a boost to international collaboration and applied research efforts with African partners.
The partnership also includes provisions for academic mobility, expertise exchange, and the creation of a shared scientific network. It builds on the “Africa Canarias Challenge” program and introduces a new student internship scheme between UM6P and the Canary Islands Institute of Technology, set to commence in summer 2025.
Canary Islands Regional Councilor for Universities, Migdalia Machn, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Africa-focused cooperation, stating that connecting talent and circulating knowledge is essential to addressing future challenges together.