Driving innovation at Quantum Africa 7

Article by Alexia Yiannouli

As part of our commitment to democratising quantum computing as an emerging technology, OQI organised a session exploring inclusive access to quantum science and technology during Quantum Africa 7.

Taking place from 22-26 September 2025, Quantum Africa 7 brought together stakeholders from across Africa and worldwide to foster dialogue and drive international collaborations, strengthening Africa’s position in the global quantum ecosystem.

The panel session, moderated by Phillip Kammerlander (Applications Advisor at OQI), explored how the combined effort to promote international partnerships, educational initiatives and science diplomacy can ensure that all countries benefit from and contribute to the second quantum revolution. The session also highlighted the upcoming OQI-supported quantum hackathon, planned to take place in 2026 at the Université Mohammed V in Rabat, which will focus on the development of SDG-aligned quantum computing use cases.

The session brought together leading voices from Morocco and the wider African continent to explore how education, international partnerships and science diplomacy can help ensure that emerging quantum technologies benefit all regions equitably. Joining the panel discussion were Fadwa El Ayachi (Université Mohammed V), Mohamed Ouchrif (Université Mohammed I), Abdelouahed El Fatimy (School of Physics and Engineering, UM6P) and Farai Mazhandu (Africa Quantum Consortium).

Panelists emphasised how Morocco and Africa are building momentum in the quantum field, through educational initiatives and fostering a growing ecosystem of national programmes. Discussions also identified gaps to be addressed, in areas such as regional collaboration and formal institutional partnerships — highlighting their necessity for scaling national efforts and accessing funding.

Hackathons were identified as a means of identifying young talent to further develop the quantum workforce, however panelists stressed that this is an early step towards ensuring inclusive access to quantum technology, and must be done alongside sustained efforts towards ecosystem building. The planned OQI-supported hackathon in Morocco in 2026 was identified as a key opportunity to drive local innovation and the development of SDG-focused use cases in Morocco. 

We look forward to future collaborations in Morocco, and to sharing more information about the upcoming OQI-supported hackathon at the Université Mohammed V in 2026!