Morocco has positioned education as a cornerstone of its international partnerships, particularly with other African nations.
The Moroccan delegation reaffirmed this commitment during today’s session of the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
According to a MAP statement, during a public session of the PSC on “Inclusive Education in Conflict Situations in Africa,” the Moroccan delegation emphasized the country’s ambitious national strategies for educational development, showcasing both its domestic initiatives and its contributions to South-South cooperation.
Since 1999, around 35,000 students from 47 African countries have benefited from Moroccan scholarships to pursue their education at Moroccan universities and training centers.
The delegation focused on Morocco’s successful model of collaboration with Southern partners, centered on professional and academic training programs.
This approach is supported by the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), which annually awards scholarships to numerous African students.
The delegation noted that Morocco has also invested in bolstering educational infrastructure in several neighboring countries, extending its support beyond direct educational programs to embrace broader infrastructural development.
Acknowledging the crucial link between education and peace, Morocco hosted a ministerial luncheon debate during the 44th session of the AU Executive Council.
The discussion, titled “Education, Youth, and Cultural Diversity: Vectors of Peace and Security in Africa,” reflected how education fosters values, skills, and social responsibility in schools.
The Moroccan delegation also shed light on the devastating impact of armed conflicts and political instability on educational systems.
These challenges manifest in the destruction of school infrastructure, population displacement, and the diversion of budgets from educational development to wartime needs.
The delegation asserted that inclusive education can play a vital role in conflict prevention and resolution as it promotes peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
In February, Morocco achieved a notable ranking, placing fifth among African countries for university quality and reputation.
This ranking reflects the presence of five Moroccan universities in the continent’s top 100.
Mohammed V University is ranked 33rd, followed by Cadi Ayyad University at 40th, Hassan II University of Casablanca at 60th, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University at 66th, and Abdelmalek Essaadi University at 88th. Notably, each of these universities has an enrollment exceeding 25,000 students.
