Morocco in Africa Symposium

Multicolored map of Africa with line radiating from Morocco to other countries in Africa

Morocco in Africa: Politics, Economy, and Diplomacy 

 March 25–26, 2027 
University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA 
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco 
Hybrid Symposium (In Person and Online)

 

Call for Papers

The Chair of Complexities ∞ Humanities at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (Ben Guerir, Morocco) and the Department of Africana and American Studies, in partnership with the Kansas African Studies Center, at the University of Kansas (USA) will host a two-day hybrid symposium on the topic of Morocco in Africa: Politics, Economy, and Diplomacy. The symposium examines the historical, political, economic, educational, cultural, and social connections linking Morocco with other African countries and communities. It seeks to create a space for critical dialogue on Morocco’s African connections, shared histories, contemporary experiences, and evolving role on the African continent. 

The organizers of the symposium invite papers from researchers, educators, graduate students, and other scholars to explore Morocco’s place within Africa from interdisciplinary perspectives. Papers examining the role of other North African countries in Africa are welcome, particularly those offering comparative or regional perspectives relevant to the symposium themes. 

Possible topics include but are not limited to: 

  • Morocco’s historical connections with other African countries 
  • Morocco and African diplomacy 
  • Economic relations, trade, and investment 
  • Migration and mobility 
  • African identities and questions of belonging 
  • Gender and society 
  • Religious connections 
  • Education and academic exchange 
  • Language, culture, and the arts 
  • Regional cooperation and African institutions 
     
Keynote Speakers 
  • Dr. Maha Marouan, The Pennsylvania State University 
  • Dr. Majid Hannoum, University of Kansas 
  • Dr. Montassir Sakhi, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic 

  • Dr. Bakary Sambe, Timbuktu Institute-African Center for Peace Studies 


Presentation Format 

The symposium will be held in a hybrid format. Presenters may participate in person at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Ben Guerir, Morocco, or virtually via Zoom. We intend to have translation services for presentations in Arabic or French. 

Abstract Guidelines 

Abstracts should: 

  • Be written in English 
  • Not exceed 300 words 
  • Use 12-point type and 1-inch margins 
  • Be submitted as a PDF 

Please include the paper title, author’s name, email address, and institutional affiliation. Independent scholars are welcome. 

Important Dates 

Abstract Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027 
Notification of Acceptance: February 1, 2027 
Symposium Date: March 25-26, 2027 

Submission and Contact Information 

Please submit abstracts to: amalelhaimeur@ku.edu and alexis.trouillot@um6p.ma 

For questions about submitting abstracts or participating in the symposium, please contact: