Moldiag, a trailblazing biotech startup affiliated with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and a subsidiary of the MAScIR Foundation, has taken a significant leap forward. The company’s Mpox qPCR Kit—a cutting-edge tool for detecting monkeypox—designed and manufactured entirely in Morocco, has now been exported to several African nations, including Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This export success underscores Moldiag’s growing role as a key player in Africa’s biotechnology sector.
With more than 15,000 monkeypox cases and 77 deaths reported across the continent in 2024, Africa faces an urgent need for accessible and affordable diagnostic solutions. Moldiag’s initiative addresses this gap by empowering partner countries with direct access to locally produced, advanced technology—critical in controlling the spread of the epidemic.
This effort aligns with the MAScIR Foundation’s broader South-South cooperation strategy, aimed at promoting medical solutions designed to meet Africa’s specific healthcare needs.
Founded under the MAScIR Foundation’s leadership, Moldiag operates from state-of-the-art research facilities in Rabat and Benguerir. MAScIR is a key player in Morocco’s research and development ecosystem, boasting over 200 patents, 700 scientific publications, and more than 100 industrial collaborations.
Moldiag’s diagnostic innovations extend beyond monkeypox. The startup is also developing kits to detect diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, leukemia, and hepatitis C, further cementing its position as a pioneer in molecular diagnostics.
This first major export marks a pivotal moment for Moldiag’s ambitions to become a dominant force in Africa’s diagnostic sector. By focusing on homegrown innovation, the company is not only advancing healthcare infrastructure across the continent but also elevating Morocco’s reputation for technological excellence on the global stage.
Through initiatives like this, Morocco strengthens its position as a hub of research and innovation in Africa, particularly in the healthcare sector.
