ACME is the first research center in Africa with the “Boeing label” with an international vocation, based on a consortium model of companies from different sectors to develop R&D and propose innovative solutions and create added value for its members.
The first day of the Marrakech Air Show was marked by a strategic advance for the Moroccan aeronautics industry, materialised by the signing of a partnership agreement for the creation of the “African Center for Manufacturing Excellence” (ACME), a research center in advanced manufacturing established in collaboration with Boeing.
This ambitious project was formalized by the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, the Minister Delegate to the Head of the Moroccan Government in charge of the National Defense Administration,
Abdellatif Loudiyi, as well as Hicham El Habti, President of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
As part of this partnership, the Moroccan company NTS Technics was selected as an engineering partner, a choice that paves the way for it to achieve level 3 design expertise and grants it the status of approved engineering supplier. This recognition is the result of a rigorous selection process, jointly conducted by the Ministry of
Industry and Trade and the National Defense Administration, thus strengthening the credibility of the Moroccan industrial ecosystem.
These initiatives are part of an industrial compensation agreement signed on February 8, 2023, aimed at consolidating ties between Morocco and Boeing and promoting the development of the Moroccan aeronautics ecosystem in terms of innovation and excellence. They reflect a shared ambition to stimulate engineering and advanced manufacturing skills in Morocco while strengthening strategic relations between the two parties.
Boeing, by committing itself as a founding member of ACME, will contribute to the establishment of this integrated center at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Nouaceur. “Investing in Morocco’s future and building a sustainable aeronautical footprint for future generations is at the heart of this alliance,” said Mr.
Mezzour.
He added: “Our expanded partnership with Boeing demonstrates our shared desire to elevate Moroccan industry to the ranks of world leaders in aeronautical innovation and excellence.” The ACME center will be the first Boeing-labeled African R&D hub, operating under a consortium model that will bring together players from various
sectors, all focused on innovation and value creation. This cutting-edge facility aims to position Morocco as a leading player in R&D, focusing on key technologies such as advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation and next-generation materials.
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