At the Marrakech Air Show’s grand opening, Morocco made waves in the aeronautics world with a major announcement: a new partnership between Morocco and aerospace giant Boeing will establish the African Center of Manufacturing Excellence (ACME), a high-tech research facility focused on advanced manufacturing. This collaboration, marked by a strategic agreement signed by Moroccan Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour, Minister Delegate Abdellatif Loudiyi, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University President Hicham El Habti, underscores Morocco’s intent to lead in aerospace innovation across Africa.
The ACME center, set to be built in Nouaceur and integrated into Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, represents Boeing’s first African research and development hub bearing its prestigious label. Designed as a consortium, the center will bring together expertise from academia and various industrial sectors to push the boundaries of manufacturing technology, with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, and innovative materials. The goal is not only to make Morocco a continental leader in aerospace but also to build a bridge between Moroccan expertise and the global aerospace sector.
A significant part of this partnership involves the Moroccan company NTS Technics, which has been selected as an engineering partner. Supported by Boeing, NTS Technics is positioned to achieve Level 3 certification, which would make it an authorized engineering supplier for Boeing. This selection is the result of a rigorous joint vetting process by the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Administration of National Defense, and Boeing.
These initiatives are components of a broader industrial compensation agreement signed in February 2023 between Boeing, Morocco’s Administration of National Defense, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This landmark deal aims to enhance Morocco’s aerospace ecosystem through innovation and technological excellence, positioning the country as a stronghold for advanced engineering and manufacturing on the continent.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Minister Mezzour stated, “Investing in Morocco’s future and establishing a robust aerospace footprint for generations to come is central to this alliance. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Boeing to position Morocco as a globally recognized leader in aerospace innovation and excellence.”
Boeing’s involvement goes beyond advisory roles; the aerospace leader has also committed to being a founding member of ACME, promising sustained support and collaboration to develop cutting-edge solutions in advanced manufacturing. This membership reinforces Boeing’s commitment to nurturing Moroccan talent, expanding the local engineering workforce, and building a research-driven aerospace sector in Morocco.
The center will encourage collaboration among universities and industry partners, offering an innovative platform for problem-solving and developing industry solutions, thereby elevating Morocco’s R&D footprint in key technologies. In addition to reinforcing Morocco’s influence in the aerospace sector, ACME is expected to serve as a catalyst for broader technological advancements, focusing on fields like automated manufacturing processes, next-generation materials, and streamlined industrial processes.
With this initiative, Morocco and Boeing are not just creating a research hub—they are setting the stage for Morocco to become a pivotal player in the global aerospace industry. Through ACME, Morocco aims to transform its aerospace sector into a beacon of innovation, setting new standards for manufacturing excellence and positioning itself as a hub for technological progress in Africa and beyond.
