Highlights:
Morocco and Boeing Partner to Establish Africa’s First Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Excellence
In a move to bolster Morocco’s growing aerospace sector, the Moroccan government and Boeing have signed a partnership to launch the African Center for Manufacturing Excellence (ACME).
This new center is part of Morocco’s strategy to enhance technology transfer and establish a robust aerospace industry footprint across Africa. The signing took place at the Marrakech Air Show, where 200 aerospace exhibitors and 100 delegations from around 80 countries convened. The agreement, signed by Morocco’s industry, defense, and investment ministers, along with Boeing and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), marks a significant step forward in Morocco’s aerospace capabilities. Moroccan engineering firm NTS Technics has been selected as the project’s engineering partner, aiming to achieve Level 3 design certification and become an approved Boeing supplier.
This initiative stems from an industrial compensation deal signed in early 2023 between Boeing, Morocco’s National Defense Administration, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Boeing’s investment in ACME underscores a commitment to fostering Morocco’s aerospace industry, and as a founding member, Boeing will support the center’s mission to drive engineering excellence and technological innovation in the region.
Located within UM6P in Nouaceur, ACME will be the first research and development (R&D) hub in Africa affiliated with Boeing. Operating under a consortium model, it will collaborate with academic and industrial entities to devise technological solutions across advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, and material science. According to Morocco’s Industry Minister, Ryad Mezzour, “Our partnership with Boeing will help establish Morocco as a global aerospace leader, delivering innovation and fostering long-term industry growth.”
With ACME’s establishment, Morocco’s 147 existing aerospace plants, which currently supply giants like Boeing, Safran, and Airbus, will have access to new R&D resources and expertise. The center aims to create an ecosystem of innovation and advanced capabilities that will position Morocco as a central player in Africa’s aerospace industry.