As the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) intensifies, Morocco is steadily advancing its position. In just a few years, the Kingdom has laid the foundation for an ambitious technological strategy, aiming to make AI a lever for digital sovereignty, economic attractiveness, and regional influence. Through political will, international partnerships, and structural investments, Morocco now aspires to become a leading AI hub on the African continent.
A Structured Political Vision Driven by Diplomacy and Institutions
The national strategy “Morocco Digital 2020–2025” is the cornerstone of this movement, clearly outlining the country’s digital transformation priorities: digitizing public services, developing local skills, encouraging innovation, and reinforcing control over infrastructure and data.
This vision is championed at the highest level of the state and supported by proactive digital diplomacy. At the Deep Tech Summit held in Rabat in May 2025, Moroccan authorities reaffirmed their intent to position the country as a central AI player in Africa, leveraging diplomatic initiatives like GITEX Africa in Marrakech—now a key continental event for innovation stakeholders.
Strong State Commitment Led by the King and Key Ministers
AI deployment in Morocco enjoys robust state backing. King Mohammed VI has repeatedly voiced his desire to make digital transformation—and AI in particular—a cornerstone of Morocco’s modernization, emphasizing the need to master emerging technologies as a guarantee of sovereignty and national independence.
This strategic direction is reflected in government action, particularly through Minister Delegate for Digital Transition Ghita Mezzour, who is spearheading the “Morocco Digital 2020–2025” strategy. The Ministry of Industry and Trade actively supports partnerships with international tech companies, while other departments are facilitating the development of incubators, applied research clusters, and regulatory frameworks. This interministerial coordination gives Morocco a coherent and clear technological vision.
Infrastructure, Education, and Strategic Alliances Fueling an Emerging Ecosystem
To reach its goals, Morocco is investing in computing and cloud infrastructure and human capital. The government aims to train 22,500 young people annually in digital skills, including AI, by 2027.
On the business side, several key partnerships are shaping this momentum. Atlas Cloud Services, a national cloud provider, has signed a strategic partnership with IBM to offer AI solutions tailored to Morocco’s context, especially for SMEs and local authorities. This initiative aims to democratize access to AI by making advanced technologies more accessible.
Internationally, Morocco has also signed an agreement with AI71, a UAE-based company specializing in large-scale data management, to enhance the country’s capabilities in governance and securing strategic data.
Concrete Use Cases: AI in Gas, Agriculture, and Social Inclusion
AI in Morocco is not just theoretical. It is already being implemented in concrete projects across various sectors. One notable example is in the Tendrara region, where AI technologies are being used to optimize gas reservoir characterization. Through the automated analysis of complex geological data, predictive models improve drilling campaigns, reduce costs, and accelerate resource exploitation.
In smart agriculture, Moroccan startups are developing AI-based solutions for soil monitoring, irrigation optimization, and yield forecasting—crucial tools in a country facing climate challenges.
Socially, the AI Movement center near Rabat is developing inclusive applications. One such app, aimed at illiterate women in rural areas, uses voice recognition and a simplified visual interface to ease access to education and social services.
Proactive Digital Diplomacy: Putting Morocco on the Global AI Map
Morocco’s tech ascent is also fueled by a forward-thinking digital diplomacy strategy. The Kingdom is asserting itself as a leader in Africa while seeking deeper integration into global AI governance forums.
Events such as the Deep Tech Summit 2025 and GITEX Africa position Morocco as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on innovation, AI regulation, and technology transfer. These gatherings attract key players from Silicon Valley, China, the Gulf, and Europe, cementing the country’s role as a strategic convergence point.
Morocco also plays a leading role in African negotiations on the standardization of emerging technologies, collaborating with the African Union and initiatives like Smart Africa. This involvement promotes ethical, sovereign, and inclusive technology governance suited to African contexts.
The country has signed bilateral tech cooperation agreements with nations including the UAE, Senegal, France, and India—integrating AI into their economic, scientific, and educational collaborations. These partnerships foster co-innovation, knowledge exchange, and support for startup ecosystems.
Finally, by joining international coalitions such as Current AI, backed by an initial $400 million investment, Morocco signals its intention to help shape global AI rules—not just follow them.
Toward Controlled Digital Sovereignty
Morocco’s approach is guided by a clear principle: developing AI to serve national priorities while minimizing dependence on foreign tech giants. This includes localizing infrastructure (data centers), upskilling engineers, and establishing legal frameworks that ensure ethics, transparency, and data security.
The government also emphasizes strategic interoperability: designing solutions that align with international standards while maintaining control over technological choices.
Methodical and ambitious, Morocco is charting a course toward a new technological era. By aligning infrastructure, talent, partnerships, and diplomacy, the Kingdom is not merely keeping pace with the global AI revolution—it is helping shape it.
Through artificial intelligence, Morocco is not only building a pillar of its economic development, but also a tool for sovereignty, regional leadership, and social progress. A bold bet—yet increasingly credible.
