The International University of Rabat and Cisco Systems International signed a memorandum of understanding today, Wednesday, at the university’s headquarters, to establish a center of excellence in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity within the university.
Through this collaboration, Cisco and the International University of Rabat aim to focus on the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, with the goal of strengthening the university’s position as a strategic hub for development and innovation.
Cisco also seeks to enhance cooperation between the university, the private sector, and public institutions, to accelerate innovation, create a sustainable impact in the region, and train a new generation of leaders in technology, particularly through programs like the Cisco Networking Academy.
This initiative is part of the support for Morocco’s innovation ecosystem, which is witnessing increasing growth.
The EDGE (Expertise, Design, Market Access, and Profitability) Center is part of the global “Accelerating Global Digital Transformation” program overseen by Cisco, which promotes digital transformation by connecting academia, startups, industrial players, and public institutions to accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
The signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding was attended by Francine Katsoudas, Cisco’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Meryem Madghri Alaoui, General Manager of Cisco Morocco, and Noureddine Mouaddib, President of the International University of Rabat.
On this occasion, Ms. Katsoudas emphasized that this initiative lays the groundwork for future digital growth in North Africa, noting that with ten Cisco innovation centers on the African continent, “we work alongside countries to harness the potential of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.”
The Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer added that “this cooperation aligns with Cisco’s global vision to train three million qualified professionals across Africa, in support of a secure and inclusive digital future for all.”
