UM6P and Technix Host NextGen Manufacturing Africa on Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation
From September 30 to October 1, 2025, Technix, the center of excellence for industrial transformation at Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, hosted the NextGen Manufacturing Summit Africa on the Benguerir campus. The event was organized in partnership with Deutsche Messe AG / Hannover Messe and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) through its Smart Industry Alliance for Africa (AISMA).
For two days, the summit gathered industrial leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to explore the future of Industry 4.0 in Africa, with a focus on digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and skills development
Building Bridges for Africa’s Industrial Transformation
The summit positioned Morocco as a regional hub connecting Africa with global innovation ecosystems in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Through keynote sessions, panels, and technology showcases, participants discussed how African industries can accelerate their digital transition while building local expertise to lead it.
Through Technix, UM6P reaffirms its commitment to preparing the skills that will drive Africa’s industrial transformation. Hosting the NextGen Manufacturing Summit Africa reflects our conviction that the continent can design its own models of competitiveness based on innovation, technology, and, above all, human talent.” – Mohamed Laklalech, General Director of UM6P Technix
New Initiatives for Industry 4.0
One of the key announcements during the event was the creation of the Smart Factory Academy in Casablanca, jointly developed by UM6P Technix, Deutsche Messe AG / Hannover Messe, and INNOVX.
This academy will serve as a space for training, experimentation, and technological demonstration focused on automation, robotics, AI, industrial cybersecurity, and digitalization. The initiative aims to provide African companies and professionals with hands-on access to Industry 4.0 technologies and methodologies.
The summit also served as a launchpad for Industrial Transformation Africa 2026, a continental trade fair under the Hannover Messe label that will be held in Casablanca. The fair will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, startups, investors, and public institutions to showcase the continent’s industrial innovation and sustainability.
Industrial transformation is not a regional challenge—it is a global movement. By bringing the expertise of Hannover Messe and its industrial academy to Africa, we aim to strengthen collaboration between ecosystems and advance together toward a smarter, more sustainable industry.” – Thomas Rilke, Division Manager at Deutsche Messe AG / Hannover Messe.
Africa’s Momentum Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Industry
For UNIDO, co-organizer of the summit, this collaboration aligns perfectly with its mission to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development across Africa.
Africa has the talent, ambition, and energy to rise to the Industry 4.0 challenge. This summit marked an important milestone in transforming that potential into concrete progress,” said Rafik Feki, UNIDO Representative for Senegal, Cape Verde, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The NextGen Manufacturing Summit Africa was not just a meeting—it was a platform for building a new industrial geography in Africa, rooted in collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition.
By hosting this event, UM6P reaffirmed its commitment to developing human capital, advancing technology, and positioning Morocco as a gateway for industrial transformation across the continent.
Leave a Reply