In a unanimous decision by African member states of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), Morocco has been selected to host the 37th Technical Meeting of the organization in 2026. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which took place from September 15 to 19 in Vienna.
The event will be held at the National Center for Energy, Nuclear Science and Technology (CNESTEN), Morocco’s leading institution in the field. This high-level gathering will focus on advancing research, education, and innovation in peaceful nuclear applications—areas increasingly vital to the continent’s sustainable development.
During the same meeting, member countries also appointed Hamid Marah, Director General of CNESTEN, as the next president of AFRA. His term will begin in September 2026, continuing Morocco’s growing influence within the IAEA’s governing structures and reinforcing its leadership in nuclear science for development.
This collective endorsement reflects widespread recognition of Morocco’s commitment to South-South cooperation, especially in scientific and technical domains. Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the country has consistently promoted collaborative frameworks across Africa, with a particular focus on strengthening local capacities in nuclear science and technology.
Founded in 1990 under the auspices of the IAEA, AFRA brings together around 40 African nations with the goal of using nuclear science and technology as tools for socio-economic progress. Through regional cooperation, the agreement supports a wide range of initiatives in public health, agriculture, water resource management, and environmental protection—offering practical, science-based solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
By hosting the 2026 meeting and assuming AFRA’s presidency, Morocco is reaffirming its role as a driving force in regional scientific cooperation and a champion of nuclear technology for peaceful and productive purposes.
