The inaugural Moroccan Science Leadership Program (MSLP), recently hosted in Rabat, is poised to become a pivotal platform for fostering a committed, collaborative, and forward-thinking African science community.
Morocco hosted the first edition of the MSLP in its capital city from April 27th to 29th. Organizers announced that this significant initiative is specifically designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of promising young researchers hailing from North Africa and the Sahel regions.
The program convened approximately thirty emerging scientists representing a diverse range of countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Mauritania, Benin, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Libya, and Sudan. The MSLP builds upon the foundation of the Africa Science Leadership Program (ASLP), which was launched in Pretoria in 2015, extending its reach and impact within the African scientific landscape.
Over the intensive three-day program, participants engaged in workshops focusing on critical leadership skills such as collective leadership, effective research management, mentorship strategies, impactful scientific communication, and the principles of science diplomacy. The overarching objective is to equip these young researchers with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively influence public policy, lead research teams with vision, and engage meaningfully with both national and international stakeholders in the scientific arena.
The MSLP is spearheaded by the Sciences and Development Association (SDA), in close collaboration with Future Africa, Inclusive Innovation, and the ATTARIK Foundation. This impactful initiative also benefits from the strong support of several prominent Moroccan institutions, including the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) and the esteemed Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology.
According to the organizers, this strategic initiative aims to firmly establish Morocco as a leading regional hub for the promotion of scientific excellence and the cultivation of strong scientific leadership across the African continent, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of African science and innovation.
MK/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA