Morocco's visa rejection threatens Africa's tech advancement

A disturbing situation is unfolding at the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja, where a team of Nigerian researchers has been unjustly denied visas to attend the prestigious MICCAI Society 2024 Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. This rejection not only jeopardizes their hard work and opportunities for professional development but also undermines Africa's collective effort to advance in the fields of AI and healthcare.

According to a LinkedIn social media post by team leader, Philip Nkwam the group has spent six months developing groundbreaking AI models tailored to African medical challenges. He explained that the upcoming conference presents the team a unique opportunity to share their work with the global scientific community, particularly since it's the first time MICCAI is being held in Africa. The event aims to foster AI innovation, collaboration, and scientific advancement on the continent.

Despite contributing over $20,000 to the Moroccan economy and having round-trip flights and hotel accommodations paid for, their visa applications were rejected without explanation. The consular officer cited "confidential" reasons for the rejection, leaving the team stunned and concerned.

This decision has far-reaching implications for Africa's tech development. The team's work could significantly improve health outcomes in resource-constrained regions, and MICCAI is a critical platform for meeting collaborators who can support further development. Morocco's actions may deter other African researchers from participating in international conferences, hindering the continent's progress in AI and healthcare.

In a show of support, Nigeria's Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Tijani Bosun, has taken to LinkedIn to request that the Nigerian team personally reach out to him.

The African Development Bank Group has emphasized the importance of bold, innovative initiatives to unleash the continent's full potential. Morocco's actions contradict this vision, highlighting the need for increased cooperation and coordination among African countries.

Time is running out for Philip Nkwam and his team. They urge Nigerian officials, Moroccan authorities, and advocates for African scientific progress to intervene and reverse this decision.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye