Launch of the National Support Program for Research, Development, and Innovation: A New Milestone for the Scientific and Economic Development of Morocco

Morocco has taken a significant step forward in its development strategy through research and innovation. On Monday, a strategic framework agreement was signed between the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation (MESRSI) and the OCP Foundation at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguérir. The signing took place in the presence of Minister Azzedine El Midaoui and the CEO of the OCP Group, Mostafa Terrab, highlighting their shared commitment to placing science and innovation at the forefront of the Kingdom’s development.

This event also marked the official launch of the National Support Program for Research, Development, and Innovation (PNARDI). This program is a collaboration among the MESRSI, the OCP Foundation, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), and UM6P, representing a strategic turning point for the country. It aims to make research a key driver for national sovereignty and the socio-economic progress of Morocco.

An Ambitious Fund to Stimulate Research

The PNARDI is backed by a budget of 1 billion dirhams, jointly mobilized by the ministry and the OCP Group. This fund will be allocated over the period from 2025 to 2028 to finance four editions of the program. A notable aspect of the PNARDI is the allocation of 200 million dirhams dedicated to attracting and integrating Moroccan researchers living abroad, with the goal of reintegrating them into Morocco’s scientific ecosystem. This initiative aligns with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which emphasizes the importance of harnessing national talents, including those from the diaspora.

Targeting Strategic Fields for Morocco

The PNARDI focuses on several strategic scientific areas crucial for addressing Morocco’s current and future challenges. These fields include:

• Sustainable Water Management

• Extraction, Processing, and Valorization of Phosphates

• Health

• Food Security

• Renewable Energies

• Human and Social Sciences

These sectors have been identified as pivotal for systemic transformation towards sustainable development in Morocco, and the program will promote interdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer, and the generation of concrete solutions.

A National Research and Innovation Strategy

The launch of the PNARDI is a major milestone in building a knowledge economy in Morocco. By placing scientific research at the heart of public policies, the Kingdom confirms its commitment to encouraging development based on innovation, excellence, and expertise. This initiative also exemplifies a collaborative national strategy, involving not only public and academic institutions but also industrial partners like the OCP Group.

In conclusion, the PNARDI is not just a funding program but a genuine symbol of a shared strategic vision to position Morocco among the leaders in research and innovation on the global stage.