Morocco inaugurates first Global Alumni House, strengthening French-Moroccan academic ties

Ya Biladi

18-05-2025

The inauguration of the Alumni House in Morocco marks a global first, coinciding with the official launch of the third edition of the World Alumni Days, organized by Campus France Maroc across Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fès, and Tangier. In the context of renewed diplomatic momentum between Rabat and Paris, this initiative symbolizes a timely and multifaceted strengthening of academic and university ties.
At the inauguration held on Friday, May 16 in Casablanca, the French ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, told Yabiladi that the primary goal of the initiative is to give visibility to the enduring human bonds between the two countries through a space designed to become a genuine intergenerational hub. «Moroccan alumni of French higher education form the largest foreign academic community linked to France, with over 45,000 students currently enrolled», he said. «If we include all who have attended French universities since independence, we're talking about hundreds of thousands».
The Alumni House is now intended to unify the efforts of numerous existing associations, particularly to support those interested in studying in France. For Lecourtier, «It's a kind of matrix for Franco-Moroccan relations in higher education—one with the potential to grow and multiply».
Amine Dabchy, president of Sciences Po Alumni Morocco, described the House as «an open, dynamic, future-focused community that brings together multiple generations in a space of rich diversity». He noted that the presence of prominent figures at the event served as both «a tribute to this community and a call to forge more connections to continue inspiring future generations».
Dabchy also praised the vital role played by Moroccan alumni associations from top French institutions, across fields such as civil engineering, business, management, law, science, and economics.
Promoting Academic Mobility Between Morocco and France
In his speech, Lecourtier also emphasized the importance of ensuring that academic mobility flows both ways between France and Morocco. «I think this House should act like an airport, a launchpad for young people and alumni to continue flying to France—whether for work, study, or personal reasons—to maintain that connection», he said.
«It should feel natural for people who've followed this path to move between the two countries without excessive barriers», he added. He recalled that last year's second edition of Alumni Day was an opportunity to announce «a simplified visa process for alumni».
«Anyone who has studied in France, or on French campuses in Morocco, can now easily obtain a short-stay circulation visa. The bond they have with France, sustained here in this House, should allow them to come and go as easily as members of the same family».
Christophe Lecourtier, French ambassador to Morocco
Gérald Brun, head of higher education, research, and student mobility at the French Institute of Morocco and attaché for scientific and university cooperation at the French Embassy, told Yabiladi that while Moroccan nationals make up the largest community of international students in France, the goal is to encourage reciprocal mobility.
«We also want to make Morocco an attractive destination for French students, who can complete part of their studies here, especially through double degrees, joint programs, or relocated courses offered by French institutions in Morocco», Brun explained. «This is a policy strongly supported by the diplomatic mission».
Fostering Human Development Through Research and Training
This collaborative academic framework also includes research-oriented university training between the two countries. According to Brun, this area of cooperation has gained momentum.
«Joint work on doctoral training is particularly important for Morocco, as many current professors and researchers are approaching retirement. A new generation must be trained», he said. «And this is equally crucial for France, where interest in pursuing doctorates has declined».
He noted that the French research system heavily relies on international doctoral candidates—and Morocco currently ranks fourth among countries sending doctoral students to France, following China, Lebanon, and Italy.
In his speech, Ambassador Lecourtier also cited King Mohammed VI's focus on human development as a key pillar of Franco-Moroccan cooperation. He highlighted the pivotal role that Moroccan alumni of French institutions play in this vision.
«Framework agreements may pave the way for major projects, but what matters most are the people—those who not only have the skills but also the desire to ensure that these projects become reality and don't remain empty promises. Both President Macron and His Majesty the King understand that the strength of the bilateral relationship lies in those individuals», said Lecourtier.
For him, «alumni are at the heart of it all because they have a blended experience. They've lived here and there, they return, they leave again—and that's the future. They are the ideal bridge for building a shared tomorrow».