A delegation from member countries of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) recently visited King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to leverage the institution’s aquaculture expertise.
This visit, funded by IsDB, was part of the Technology Deployment Cooperation Program (TDCP). The three-day familiarisation program aimed to introduce KAUST’s aquaculture technology to government representatives from Morocco, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Egypt, fostering knowledge exchange and potential collaboration.
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Fostering Aquaculture Capabilities in North and West Africa
IsDB’s visit to KAUST sought to accelerate the development of aquaculture capabilities in countries across North and West Africa. The program showcased KAUST as a reliable partner for the development of aquaculture infrastructure, potentially eligible for financing from IsDB. The collaborative effort involved Innovative Contractors for Advanced Dimensions (ICAD) as a technology deployment partner.
ICAD pledged to co-invest 20% of the project value, up to USD 20 million, as grants for future projects utilizing KAUST’s aquaculture technology. This commitment is intended to complement the financing that each country may secure from IsDB. The collaboration aims to contribute to the advancement of aquaculture capabilities in the region.
Before the physical visit, the IsDB-KAUST team engaged in several online meetings with IsDB regional hubs and relevant institutions in member countries. Drs. Hadi Zulfiqar and Riddhi Shukla from KAUST Technology Transfer Office, along with representatives from IsDB, discussed KAUST’s aquaculture capabilities. These virtual sessions provided an overview of the technology, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
Riad Ragueb Ahmed, Director of Cooperation and Capacity Development for IsDB, explained, “The IsDB Technology Deployment Cooperation Program aims to accelerate the deployment of proven and cost-effective technologies for member countries. The partnership with KAUST under TDCP will enable countries to have access to ground-breaking solutions in a number of areas, including aquaculture.”
Representatives from member countries expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaborations. Mohamed Amine Mansouri from the Agence Nationale pour le Développement de l’Aquaculture (ANDA), Morocco, stated, “Morocco looks forward to being part of the IsDB Technology Deployment Cooperation Program through the ‘Making Aquaculture Work for Market and Social Inclusiveness’ Project. The demonstration visit to KAUST will enable us to harness innovative technologies to further develop greater value from aquaculture.”
IsDB Group – A Multilateral Development Bank
The Islamic Development Bank is a premier multilateral development bank of the Global South, operating for nearly 50 years to improve the lives of communities it serves. With 57 member countries across four continents, IsDB’s mission is to drive economic and social progress at scale. Headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IsDB has evolved into a group comprising five entities, including the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank Institute, the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment, and Export Credit, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation.
About KAUST – A Hub for Scientific Solutions
Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university committed to addressing global scientific and technological challenges. Focusing on areas like food and health, water, energy, environment, and the digital domain, KAUST operates as a curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary problem-solving environment. With state-of-the-art labs, distinguished faculty, and diverse international talent, KAUST is a catalyst for innovation, economic development, and social prosperity.
Innovative Contractors for Advanced Dimensions (ICAD) – Global Technology Leader
ICAD, a global technology leader, specializes in large-scale infrastructure and technology solutions. Renowned for innovation and collaboration, ICAD partners with governmental and non-governmental clients across various sectors. With expertise in technology integration, defense, and security systems, ICAD has completed over 400 projects worldwide. The company’s commitment extends to diverse fields, including transportation, healthcare, government, stadiums, education, and more, making ICAD a trusted name in cutting-edge solutions.