President Hicham El Habti joins leaders at Sciences Po Paris to discuss how to support African tech entrepreneurs
Paris, October 4, 2025 — University Mohammed VI Polytechnic University took part in the second edition of Africa Day, organized by the French African Foundation and Axian at Sciences Po Paris, under the theme “United by Africa, Inspired by Excellence.” The event brought together more than 2,000 participants and leading figures from business, academia, and civil society to celebrate African excellence and youth engagement.
Representing UM6P, President Hicham El Habti joined a panel discussion on “Supporting African Entrepreneurs in Technology” alongside industry leaders such as Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Group, and Yasser Shaker, Executive Vice President of Orange Middle East & Africa. The conversation focused on the key conditions for African startups to thrive, emphasizing the importance of connectivity, hands-on training, and strategic partnerships.
Mr. El Habti outlined UM6P’s vision for empowering the next generation of African innovators through education, research, and entrepreneurship. He showcased the University’s major initiatives — the Global Hubs Network, which builds bridges between Africa and innovation ecosystems in France, Canada, and the U.S.; the NextAfrica Program, supporting Greentech, HealthTech, and Agritech startups through hybrid acceleration; and the U-Founders incubation platform, which has helped over 100 student-led ventures translate academic research into market-ready solutions.
Echoing UM6P’s long-term mission, President El Habti underscored the University’s role as a catalyst for innovation and impact in Africa, stating that “African research and entrepreneurship must move from informing markets to disrupting them — exporting solutions that reshape global sustainability.”
The event reaffirmed Africa Day’s objective: to inspire young people to engage with the continent’s transformative agenda, connect talents with opportunities, and strengthen Franco-African partnerships for inclusive development.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Changemakers
By linking education to innovation and entrepreneurship, UM6P continues to empower African youth to transform ideas into impactful solutions. Through its global partnerships, living labs, and startup programs, the University bridges the gap between academic research and industry needs — nurturing a generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
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