IAEA and Morocco’s CNESTEN Renew Strategic Alliance to Boost Nuclear Technologies for Sustainable Development

By Lucia Ortega and Hannah Affum, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

In a significant step toward bolstering sustainable development through nuclear science, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has renewed its longstanding partnership with Morocco’s Centre National de l’Énergie, des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires (CNESTEN). The renewal agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the IAEA Headquarters, with Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and CNESTEN Director General Hamid Marah officiating. This renewed collaboration, valid until 2029, reinforces both parties’ shared commitment to advancing nuclear and isotopic techniques in critical sectors such as water resource management, environmental monitoring, and industrial innovation.

A Model of Regional Leadership in Nuclear Science

CNESTEN, designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre since 2015, has established itself as a hub of nuclear expertise in Africa. It operates under the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development and serves as a Regional Centre of Excellence under the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). Through state-of-the-art laboratories and accredited research facilities—compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 standards—CNESTEN supports scientific advancement in isotopic hydrology, non-destructive testing, and radiometric analysis.

Over the years, CNESTEN has contributed significantly to both national and continental development agendas. Its collaboration with the IAEA has led to the successful completion of eight national studies on water resources, enhancement of chemical and isotopic databases for more than 20 major Moroccan water basins, and active participation in three international coordinated research projects. These initiatives are critical in a region increasingly challenged by climate change and water scarcity.

Expanding Regional and International Capacity

The renewed agreement outlines two strategic work plans to be implemented through 2029:

1. Promotion of Isotope Hydrology Tools

The first work plan focuses on expanding the application of isotope hydrology techniques to manage water resources more efficiently. This will be facilitated through partnerships with national and regional institutions, as well as active participation in global networks like the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) and the Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL). These platforms enable researchers to trace the origins, movement, and age of water, offering critical insights for sustainable water governance. CNESTEN will also provide both foundational and advanced training in isotope and geochemical analysis, primarily in French, making its expertise more accessible to francophone African nations.

In addition to training, CNESTEN will offer laboratory services in hydrochemistry and environmental isotope analysis, supporting IAEA-led technical cooperation projects across Africa and the Middle East. These analytical capabilities are crucial for evidence-based policymaking and adaptive water resource strategies.

2. Harnessing Nuclear Technology for Industrial Applications

The second work plan underscores the peaceful use of nuclear technologies to improve industrial operations. It aims to enhance the deployment of radioisotope and radiation-based methods in areas such as non-destructive testing (NDT), radiotracers, and sealed-source technologies. These techniques are vital for quality control, process optimization, and ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of industrial activities.

Notably, CNESTEN is also recognized by the Moroccan Confederation of Non-Destructive Testing as a national training and certification authority in NDT. This recognition enables CNESTEN to build local and regional capacity by training professionals in advanced nuclear inspection methods that are safer, more precise, and environmentally friendly.

Building Human Capacity and Scientific Knowledge

One of CNESTEN’s standout contributions has been in capacity building and knowledge dissemination. To date, the centre has organized over 90 specialized workshops and training programs, reaching hundreds of professionals from across Africa. It has also published more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers, significantly enriching the global nuclear knowledge base and reinforcing Africa’s role in the international nuclear science community.

By renewing this partnership, the IAEA and CNESTEN reaffirm their mutual dedication to using nuclear science for peaceful and development-oriented purposes. The collaboration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).

Toward a Resilient, Technologically Empowered Africa

The strategic partnership between the IAEA and CNESTEN serves as a model of effective international cooperation. It demonstrates how investment in scientific research, capacity building, and technical infrastructure can help countries respond to pressing environmental challenges while accelerating socio-economic growth. As CNESTEN continues to share its expertise and infrastructure with neighboring countries, Morocco is poised to solidify its role as a regional leader in the application of nuclear science for development.

This renewed agreement is more than a continuation of past efforts—it is a visionary roadmap that positions nuclear science at the heart of Africa’s transformation agenda.