Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane and the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center (DMCC), a national leader in cybersecurity expertise, have entered into a new strategic partnership aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry in tackling the evolving challenges of cybersecurity.
The agreement, which initially spans three years and is renewable, lays the foundation for a collaborative framework. As part of the deal, DMCC will contribute its experts to support academic programming at AUI, including course design, guest lectures, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. This input is expected to enhance AUI’s cybersecurity specialization and bolster its master’s degree offerings in the field.
Beyond academics, the partnership is also geared toward talent development. AUI students and graduates will gain prioritized access to internships and job opportunities within DMCC. Additionally, the two institutions are working on launching a joint certification that aims to boost student employability in the cybersecurity sector.
The collaboration will also include the co-organization of cybersecurity-focused events, such as Cybersecurity Days, to strengthen ties between students, faculty, and industry professionals while encouraging a shared culture of digital security. The two partners also plan to jointly support doctoral research, produce publications, and develop practical tools and reference models for the cybersecurity sector.
This agreement provides a solid operational framework for both AUI and DMCC to jointly build advanced technical, strategic, and organizational expertise.
Commenting on the partnership, Al Akhawayn University President Amine Bensaid said that the university has always prioritized academic excellence and the preparation of talent aligned with labor market needs. With cybersecurity now a major strategic priority in the digital age, he emphasized that this collaboration with DMCC further reinforces AUI’s engagement with the professional world and its commitment to addressing the growing demand for specialized skills.
On Deloitte’s side, the partnership underscores the firm’s broader mission to invest in digital education and talent development. Imade Elbaraka, Managing Partner for Cyber at Deloitte France and Francophone Africa, and General Director of DMCC, noted that with cyber threats becoming more complex, there is an urgent need to nurture a strong pipeline of skilled professionals across Morocco and the continent.
He added that DMCC remains deeply committed to supporting young engineers, advancing technical training, and fostering a trusted cybersecurity ecosystem.
