4th International Laufer Energy Symposium
Sustainable Energy Solutions for Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
May 7 – May 9, 2025 | Marrakesh, Morocco
What is the Laufer Energy Symposium?
The 4th Laufer Energy Symposium will convene world-renowned thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts to explore cutting-edge solutions for developing resilient energy systems. The symposium will focus on optimizing surety, survivability, supply, sufficiency, and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on advancing sustainable energy solutions for Africa.
Building on the success of its previous editions, the Laufer Energy Symposium has consistently tackled some of the most pressing challenges in the global energy landscape:
The 1st Symposium introduced the theme of “Transformational Energy Systems for a Secure Energy Future,” setting the stage for reimagining energy resilience.
The 2nd Symposium focused on “Resilient Energy,” emphasizing the ability to anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions, including natural disasters, accidents, and deliberate attacks.
The 3rd Symposium addressed “New Energy Technology and Energy Economics,” highlighting innovations driving the energy transition and the economic factors shaping the future.
Now, the 4th Laufer Energy Symposium takes this mission further, turning its attention to Africa’s energy future under the theme:
“Sustainable Energy Solutions for Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The event will spotlight the continent’s unique energy landscape, fostering dialogue and collaboration on innovative approaches to securing sustainable, reliable, and equitable energy systems across Africa.
Why Africa?
For the first time, the symposium will be held outside the USA, in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco. Africa stands at the forefront of energy transition and innovation, facing both challenges and opportunities. This event aims to foster collaboration among industry experts, academics, and students to develop sustainable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s unique landscape.
Honoring Wayne Laufer
The symposium is dedicated to Mr. Wayne Laufer, whose vision and generosity established the Laufer Endowed Chair in Energy at Missouri S&T. His commitment to fostering energy innovation and global partnerships laid the foundation for this influential symposium series. We celebrate his legacy as we gather to shape the future of sustainable energy.
Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan
Curators’ Distinguished Professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and of nuclear engineering and radiation sciences
Wayne and Gayle Laufer endowed chair in Energy, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), USA
Affiliated Professor, ACER CoE, UM6P, Morocco
Joseph D. Smith
AIChE President, USA
Professor and Founding Laufer Endowed Energy Chair, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (Missouri S&T)
Chief Technology Officer and Founder, Elevated Analytics Consulting, USA
Youssef Belmabkhout
Full Professor, Director of Applied Chemistry & Engineering Research Center of Excellence (ACER CoE), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco
Jamal Chaouki
Emeritus and Distinguished Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada
Affiliated Professor, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco
Mohamed El Khouakhi
Head of "Technology development Cell (TechCell), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco
Ismael Saadoune
Full Professor, Applied Chemistry & Engineering Research Center of Excellence (ACERCoE), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco
Abdelghafour Zaabout
Full Professor, Applied Chemistry & Engineering Research Center of Excellence (ACERCoE), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco
The 2023 Laufer Energy Symposium explored cutting-edge advancements in energy technology, featuring world-class experts, insightful discussions, and groundbreaking research. Dive into last year's highlights and key takeaways.
Explore Laufer 2023