A significant milestone in scientific cooperation was reached on February 13, 2026, with the inauguration of the Green Energy Park Morocco–Côte d’Ivoire (GEP-MCI) in Yamoussoukro. Developed through a strategic partnership involving University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), the Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN), and the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), this new platform is dedicated to advancing technological innovation in solar energy. The initiative marks the first continental replication of the original Green Energy Park model established in Benguerir in 2017, positioning it as a cornerstone for South–South collaboration.
Innovation For Tropical Agriculture And Water Treatment
The GEP-MCI is specifically designed to address the unique environmental challenges of West Africa, focusing on solar applications under semi-tropical conditions. Research activities at the facility will prioritize:
- Solar Energy Integration: Developing and testing solar technologies optimized for high-humidity and semi-tropical climates.
- Agricultural Applications: Enhancing food security through solar-powered innovations tailored for the agricultural sector.
- Water Treatment: Implementing sustainable solar-driven solutions for water purification and management.
- Professional Training: Providing specialized education and capacity building for the next generation of African energy experts.
Strengthening Africa’s Technological Sovereignty
By replicating the successful Moroccan model, the GEP-MCI contributes to the creation of resilient innovation ecosystems across the continent. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to support Africa’s energy transition and bolster technological sovereignty. The facility serves as a research and training hub that empowers local scientists and engineers to develop home-grown solutions, reducing reliance on external technology and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy across the region.
A Landmark In South–South Scientific Collaboration
The inauguration reaffirms Morocco’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through intra-African partnerships. As a hub of education and research, UM6P is utilizing this platform to bridge the knowledge gap between North and West Africa. This collaborative effort not only enhances the scientific capabilities of both Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire but also sets a precedent for how African academic and research institutions can work together to solve shared climate and energy challenges.
About University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is an institution of higher education located in the “Mohammed VI Green City” in Benguerir, Morocco. Founded in 2017, the university is designed as a hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a specific focus on addressing the development challenges of the African continent. UM6P employs a “learning by doing” approach and maintains global partnerships to promote leadership and training in cutting-edge technology and human sciences.
Source: LinkedIn
