Call for Papers
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)
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. Majid Hannoum, University of Kansas
– Dr. Maha Marouan, The Pennsylvania State University
– 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:
• Amal El Haimeur, University of Kansas at amalelhaimeur@ku.edu
• Alexis Trouillot, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic at alexis.trouillot@um6p.ma
