The African Academy of SciencesTransforming lives through science
GFGPMentorshipARISEFellows Login
The African Academy of Sciences
  • Who we are
    Who we are

    Our story

    Transforming lives through science

    A pan-African academy honouring excellence and shaping research for our continent.

    Discover the AAS

    The AAS

    • About Us
    • Our Partners
    • Contact us
    • Whistleblow

    Governance

    • General Assembly
    • The Governing Council
    • Secretariat
  • Our Fellows
    Our Fellows

    Excellence

    Africa's most distinguished scientists

    Meet our Fellows and Affiliates — leaders advancing science across the continent.

    Browse Fellows
    • AAS Fellows Profiles
    • Fellows Nomination
    • Affiliates
  • Programmes
    Programmes

    Impact

    Programmes shaping Africa's future

    Funding, training and infrastructure for transformative African science.

    All Programmes

    Featured programmes

    The African Postdoctoral Training Initiative (APTI)APTIThe African Postdoctoral Training Initiative (APTI)The African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE)ARISEThe African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE)Supporting and Developing Widening Strategies to Tackle Hydroclimatic Extreme Events (SD-WISHEES)SD-WISHEESSupporting and Developing Widening Strategies to Tackle Hydroclimatic Extreme Events (SD-WISHEES)The African Planet PrizeAPPThe African Planet Prize

    Browse by pillar

    Developing Young Scientist
    • The African Postdoctoral Training Initiative (APTI)
    • Fellows and Affiliates programme
    • The African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE)
    • The AAS Mentorship Scheme
    • AAS Executive Education Program
    Critical Gaps In Science
    • Supporting and Developing Widening Strategies to Tackle Hydroclimatic Extreme Events (SD-WISHEES)
    • The Global Grant Community (GGC)
    • Research Capacity Strengthening Programme in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. (SSHA)
    • Science4Peace (S4P) Africa Initiative
    • The African Planet Prize
  • News & Events
    News & Events

    Stay informed

    The latest from the AAS community

    News, events, webinars and publications from our scientific community.

    Visit Newsroom

    Media

    • Publications
    • AAS Policies
    • News
    • AAS Newsletters

    Activities

    • Events
    • Activities
    • Webinars
    • Gallery
  • Opportunities
    Opportunities

    Get involved

    Open calls and opportunities

    Vacancies, tenders and funding calls — join us in driving African science.

    View all openings
    • Vacancies
    • Tenders
    • Funding
Donate
logo
African Academy of Sciences

Founded in 1985, the African Academy of Sciences drives science, technology and innovation for Africa's sustainable development.

Call us

+254 709 15 8100

Email us

communication@aasciences.africa

About AAS

Who we areGoverning councilSecretariatWhistleblow

Explore

ProgrammesPublicationsNewsFellows

Opportunities

FundingEventsTendersVacancies
Our Sites
Global Grant CommunityFellows Portal
Follow

8 Miotoni Lane, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

©1985–2026 The African Academy of Sciences. All Rights Reserved. Privacy & Terms

Prof. Laila Mandi

Prof. Laila Mandi was elected as an AAS Fellow in 2023. As a fellow, Prof. Laila Mandi contributes to the development of the Academy's strategic direction through participation in AAS activities and governance structures. This gears the Academy's vision of transforming African lives through science.

View Other Fellows
Portrait of Prof. Laila Mandi

Prof. Laila Mandi

Country

Morocco

Year Elected

2023

Discipline

Full Professor, Cadi Ayyad University

View Other Fellows
Portrait of Prof. Laila Mandi

Prof. Laila Mandi

Country

Morocco

Year Elected

2023

Discipline

Full Professor, Cadi Ayyad University

Biography

Prof. Dr. Laila Mandi is an internationally recognized expert in water and environmental sciences, with over 30 years of transformative contributions as a professor at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University (Morocco). She earned all her academic degrees from the same institution, including her Ph.D. and State Doctorate in Water Treatment. A pioneer in sustainable wastewater management, she integrates research excellence, education, and capacity-building programs to address critical environmental challenges. As National Coordinator of the Pole of Competence on Water and Environment (2001-2016), she led a network of over 300 researchers in Moroccan universities, fostering collaboration between academia and socio-economic stakeholders. In 2005, in partnership with Veolia Water and the University of Limoges, she launched Morocco's first professional bachelor's degree in sanitation management, achieving a graduate employment rate of over 90%. She also played a key role in developing professional master's programs in wastewater and solid waste management at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia. As Director of the National Center for Studies and Research on Water and Energy (CNEREE) from 2007-2023, she led groundbreaking R&D projects, including the implementation of nature-based wastewater treatment technologies, which significantly improved sanitation in rural areas. Prof. Mandi has coordinated numerous national and international research projects, served as guest editor and reviewer for leading scientific journals, and evaluated numerous water treatment projects worldwide. She has supervised more than 35 Ph.D. students, authored more than 200 scientific publications, and holds four patents on wastewater treatment technologies. She has also founded two start-ups dedicated to environmental innovation. Her contributions to sustainable development have earned her prestigious awards, including a fellowship at the France Water Academy and the Islamic Development Bank Prize for Women's Contribution to Development. She actively supports community development and environmental sustainability through leadership roles in NGOs such as the Development Center of the Tensift Region and the International Institute for Sustainable Transition in Africa.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AASAUZAAAAAJ&hl=fr
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laila-Mandi
https://www.facebook.com/laila.mandi.9
www.linkedin.com/in/laila-mandi-7007a813