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.
The agreement, signed in Las Palmas by UM6P President Hicham El Habti and the rectors of the two Canary Islands universities, comes with the backing of the regional government. A joint call for projects in priority areas such as technology, sustainability, and innovation is expected before the end of the year, co-funded by UM6P and the Canary Islands authorities.
“This partnership lays the foundation for structured cooperation serving development and innovation in our shared regional space,” said Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, adding that this marks the first such initiative between a Spanish regional government and an African country outside national frameworks.
UM6P President El Habti hailed the agreement as a step forward in regional scientific diplomacy and emphasized the need for sustainable university networks that deliver tangible local impact.
His Spanish counterparts echoed the sentiment, calling the deal 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 includes a new student internship scheme between UM6P and the Canary Islands Institute of Technology set to begin in summer 2025.
Canary Islands Regional Councilor for Universities, Migdalia Machín, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Africa-focused cooperation, stating that “connecting talent and circulating knowledge is essential to tackling tomorrow’s challenges together.”
MAP: 09 July 2025
