The WE-Africa project, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) from the fund of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), recently organised its third partners meeting and entrepreneurship workshop in Agadir, Morocco. Held at the Faculty of Applied Sciences in Ait Melloul, the event focused on "Membrane Technologies for Water and Energy," aiming to address critical challenges in the water and energy sectors across Africa. The workshop was organised by the MANAPSE Lab at Faculté Des Sciences, Université Med V, in collaboration with Scientific Morocco, a non-governmental organisation, and NT2E, a private company. This partnership brought together academic, non-profit, and industry expertise to create a dynamic platform for innovation and knowledge exchange. The event attracted experts from Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, and Germany, highlighting the power of international cooperation.
Key attendees included: Attendees included Dr. (Mrs.) Bennetta Koomson (Team lead, Ghana), Prof. Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa and Dr. Frank Ofori Agyemang. International partners included Dr. Abdelwahab Hassan and Dr. Mohamed Kamel from Egypt, Prof. Dr. Lahoucine Atourki and Dr. Essalhi Hajar from Morocco, and Mr. Hasan Idrees and Dr. Michael Eisinger from Germany.
The workshop featured a lineup of remarkable presentations from global experts, including Dr. Frank Ofori Agyemang (KNUST, Ghana) on Hybrid membrane systems and Membrane technology for resource recovery, Prof. Stefan Panglisch (University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany) on membrane fundamentals, Prof. Ahmed S. G. Khalil (Fayoum University, Egypt) on polymeric vs. ceramic membranes, Prof. Ismail Benabdallah (UM6P, Morocco) on nanomaterial-based membranes, and Dr. Ali Baddouh (NT2E, Morocco) on reverse osmosis. The program was enriched with engaging activities, including hands-on training and interactive sessions with distinguished speakers. Participants gained insights into cutting-edge research and practical applications of membrane technologies. A standout moment was the opportunity to learn about DAAD scholarships and research opportunities in Africa and Germany, opening doors for future academic and professional growth. A field trip to a water desalination plant in the Souss region provided a real-world perspective on how these technologies are applied to address water scarcity. The event concluded with a vibrant certificate ceremony and best poster awards, celebrating the creativity and dedication of the participants.
The success of the WE-Africa workshop was made possible by the collaborative efforts of project partners, funders, hosts, local organizers, and the enthusiastic participation of students and professionals. Their shared commitment to innovation created an inspiring environment for learning and networking.
