The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International University of Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, 6 April 2026, to strengthen cooperation in the academic, scientific and research fields, enhance capacity-building, and implement joint projects in areas of mutual interest, foremost among them the provision of 100 scholarships for students from ICESCO Member States.

The agreement was signed at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Hatem Othman Mohammed Khair, Director of the International University of Africa, in the presence of H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan to the Kingdom of Morocco.

The memorandum of understanding provides for enhancing and exchanging scientific and academic expertise through the organization of training workshops and scientific seminars, participation in conferences and symposia, support for the capacity building of decision-makers and civil society institutions, and the development of specialized training programs for capacity development. It also includes the allocation of scholarships for ICESCO candidates from its Member States.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Khair held a bilateral meeting during which they agreed to establish a joint working committee comprising representatives of both ICESCO and the IUA. The committee will be tasked with preparing implementation plans and programs for the agreed projects, monitoring progress, and evaluating achievements.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; and Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

Dr. AlMalik also accompanied the IUA delegation on a tour of the Organization’s Media and Communication Sector, where detailed briefings were provided on the Sector’s specialized units, including the newly established studio aimed at enhancing the production of digital content supporting ICESCO’s global mission. The delegation also visited the Sultan Qaboos Library housed at ICESCO headquarters, which is scheduled to open on 16 April.