African member states of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) unanimously endorsed Morocco's candidacy on Thursday to host the 37th Technical Working Group meeting of the agreement in 2026. The decision was adopted during the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held from September 15–19 in Vienna, with Morocco taking part in the proceedings. Morocco will host this important meeting next year through the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Sciences, and Technology (CNESTEN). Following the gathering, CNESTEN's Director General, Hamid Marah, will assume the presidency of AFRA starting in September 2026. The intergovernmental agreement, established among about 40 African countries, is administered by the IAEA. Morocco's leadership of AFRA, which coincides with its current term on the IAEA Board of Governors, reflects recognition of the Kingdom's commitment under King Mohammed VI to advancing South-South cooperation. It also underscores Morocco's active and multifaceted contribution to strengthening African expertise in nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes. Established in 1990, AFRA aims to expand the contribution of nuclear science and technology to Africa's socio-economic development by providing a framework for regional cooperation through targeted programs and projects. Its activities cover a wide range of peaceful nuclear applications, supporting both national and regional development goals.
