Casablanca – Boeing has announced a significant new partnership with the Africa Center of Manufacturing Excellence (ACME), a research and development platform affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), aiming to boost Morocco’s industrial innovation and reinforce its role in the global aerospace supply chain. The agreement was formalized during the 2025 Paris Air Show, marking a new phase in Boeing’s 70-year relationship with Morocco.

This strategic collaboration is designed to enhance advanced manufacturing capabilities in Morocco, support sustainable development in the aviation sector, and cultivate a highly skilled local workforce. ACME, based in Nouaceur near Casablanca, serves as a collaborative hub connecting academia and the private sector to drive industrial progress across the African continent.

A milestone for Boeing in Africa

The new partnership with ACME positions Morocco as a growing center of aerospace engineering and manufacturing excellence in Africa. Vince Logsdon, Vice President of International Business Development at Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Global Services, described the agreement as “a significant step forward in supporting the growth of Morocco’s aerospace industry.” He added that the alliance will boost cooperation in technological development while contributing to the training of a qualified workforce.

Boeing’s commitment is aligned with its broader strategy of investing in local talent and sustainable production capabilities. The company’s presence in Morocco spans seven decades and includes educational partnerships, workforce development programs, and social initiatives. Through past collaborations with organizations like Education for Employment–Maroc (EFE-Maroc), INJAZ Al-Maghrib, and Amideast, Boeing has supported the integration of young Moroccans into the job market and the development of soft and technical skills relevant to industry needs.

ACME: A platform for advanced manufacturing and R&D

Established with the support of Moroccan government entities and launched during the Marrakech Airshow in October 2024, ACME operates under a consortium model that brings together academic institutions and industrial partners. Its mission is to advance research in manufacturing, automation, Industry 4.0, and materials science.

Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, emphasized the shared vision behind the partnership with Boeing, stating, “Our collaboration reflects a common ambition to integrate research, human capital development, and industry to foster innovation.” He added that ACME aims to serve as a gateway between universities and private industry, encouraging innovation while supporting the growth of African talent and increasing the continent’s presence in global value chains.

According to ACME Director General Hicham Cherkaoui, the center seeks to add value for all its consortium members through the development of innovative technologies, positioning Morocco as a regional leader in aerospace research and development.

Boeing expands local production partnerships

In addition to the agreement with UM6P’s ACME, Boeing has also signed a contract with Casablanca Aéronautique for the manufacturing of machined parts for its 737 MAX aircraft. This move is part of Boeing’s broader effort to expand its industrial ecosystem in Morocco, which the company has been building since 2016. Casablanca Aéronautique joins a growing network of Moroccan aerospace firms contributing to Boeing’s global supply chain.

The aerospace sector has become one of Morocco’s key industries, supported by government-backed strategies to attract foreign investment and increase local production capabilities. According to national targets, Morocco plans to double employment in the aerospace sector by 2030. The industry currently employs around 20,000 people and has achieved a local integration rate of more than 40%.

Strategic impact for Morocco and Africa

This multi-level collaboration not only strengthens Morocco’s industrial capacity but also contributes to Africa’s broader ambitions in the aerospace and high-tech sectors. By linking international expertise with local research institutions and companies, Boeing and UM6P aim to foster an ecosystem where innovation, talent, and technology converge.

The initiative is expected to generate long-term benefits for both partners, creating new opportunities for Moroccan engineers and technicians while reinforcing Boeing’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth in emerging markets.

As global aerospace companies increasingly look to diversify their production and innovation hubs, Morocco—through partnerships like this—continues to position itself as a competitive and strategic destination in the international aerospace industry.