Nearly 200 Moroccans who studied at U.S. universities gathered at Dar America in Casablanca on Saturday, bringing business, higher education and investment into a wider discussion on how alumni networks can deepen ties between the two countries.
The second EducationUSA alumni networking event drew graduates from Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Dakhla, alongside business leaders and academic partners.
“Morocco has many resources, but its greatest resource is its human capital,” Benjamin Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, told reporters.
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Ziff called for stronger links between universities on both sides, praising the development of higher education institutions and their growing international outlook.
Connecting them more closely with the U.S. higher education system would be a “win-win” for both countries, he said, pointing to the level of Moroccan students.
U.S. Consul General in Casablanca Christopher Deutsch said alumni of American universities had an important role to play in strengthening ties through education, business and research.
Relations between Rabat and Washington stretch back nearly 250 years, he said, but are sustained by people who continue building connections between the two countries.
Deutsch said the value of studying in the United States extended beyond earning a degree, with the networks built during that experience providing lasting professional and personal connections.
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From university networks to business
Part of the discussions focused on how U.S.-educated graduates can contribute to business development and trade.
Jenan Lghrari, chair of the Skills Development and Employment Commission at CGEM and an independent member of Bank of Africa’s board of directors, joined Polydesign Systems CEO Julianne Foreman for a discussion on the role alumni expertise can play in entrepreneurship and commercial ties with the United States.
The discussions also covered priority investment sectors and the skills U.S. university graduates bring to the workforce.
Al Akhawayn University President Amin Bensaid highlighted the role of U.S.-educated graduates in developing human capital and building stronger links between universities and industry.
Dakhla investment opportunities enter the discussion
Dakhla also featured in the program, with investment and development opportunities in the region presented to alumni and participating institutions.
Saad Ismail, head of the Investor Support Department at the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Investment Center, and Nesrine El Louzi, project director for the construction of Dakhla Atlantic Port, outlined opportunities for cooperation involving businesses, universities, U.S. institutions and regional stakeholders.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of more than 430 international student advising centres across more than 175 countries and territories, providing information to students seeking to study at accredited U.S. higher education institutions.
