Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has announced the launch of the Smart Factory Academy, a new permanent training and technology showcase center designed to accelerate the continent’s transition to Industry 4.0. The initiative, unveiled during the NextGen Manufacturing Summit Africa held at the university’s Benguerir campus, aims to provide a sustained platform for industrial transformation beyond a single annual event.
A Living Lab For Industrial Technology
The Smart Factory Academy is envisioned as a “living laboratory” where the latest industrial technologies—including IoT, predictive maintenance, data analytics, and artificial intelligence—will be on permanent display. This hands-on approach will allow companies to experience firsthand how cutting-edge innovations are reshaping manufacturing. The academy is being developed in partnership with Deutsche Messe, the German trade fair giant behind Hannover Messe, and is slated to open in Casablanca in 2026, ensuring access to the latest global technologies.
Practical Training For The Modern Workforce
Moving beyond theoretical management training, the academy will offer programs tailored to the real-world operational needs of African manufacturers. The curriculum is specifically designed for engineers, field workers, technicians, and frontline managers. Key training methodologies will include a cost-effective “train the trainers” model, where company representatives are trained at the academy and then disseminate that knowledge within their own organisations. The academy will also facilitate “learning expeditions,” allowing professionals to tour advanced industrial facilities and exchange practical insights.
A Pan-African Hub For Industrial Innovation
While based in Morocco, the Smart Factory Academy has a distinctly pan-African vision. The initiative is positioned to serve as a regional hub for industrial innovation and skills development, supporting manufacturers from across the continent. By combining permanent technology exhibitions with practical training and collaborative learning, UM6P aims to equip Africa’s industrial sector with the tools and knowledge necessary to compete in the technology-driven global economy.
About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a Moroccan non-profit research university located in Benguerir, near Marrakesh. With a strong focus on science, technology, and innovation, UM6P is committed to applied research and education that addresses the developmental challenges of Morocco and the broader African continent. The university fosters a dynamic ecosystem of education, research, and entrepreneurship.
Source: Morocco World News
