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Morocco has put artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its national modernization strategy and is accelerating its journey towards a technology-driven economy. The country’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform reaffirmed that AI will play a decisive role in transforming Morocco’s industrial capabilities, strengthening its innovation ecosystem and fostering long-term economic growth.
At a scientific seminar held in Fes, Amal El Farah Segurchini, Minister’s Representative for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, emphasized the strategic importance of AI in the country’s development agenda. Speaking at an event titled “Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Corporate Digital Transformation” at the European Mediterranean University in Fes, she explained how the government is incorporating AI technologies across multiple sectors as part of its broader Digital Morocco 2030 strategy.
Segrushni said Morocco aims to integrate advanced digital technologies into industry, research and entrepreneurship to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
A key element of this strategy is the “AI Made in Morocco” initiative, which aims to establish a strong national ecosystem for artificial intelligence innovation. The initiative focuses on developing AI solutions that are locally designed to Morocco’s economic and social priorities, rather than relying primarily on imported technologies.
The program aims to foster cooperation between start-ups, universities, research institutes, and private companies to produce indigenous technologies that can serve both domestic and international markets. The economic forecasts associated with this initiative are ambitious, with the government expecting AI to contribute around 100 billion Moroccan dirhams to the national GDP by 2030 and create around 50,000 professional jobs in fields such as machine learning, data science, robotics and digital engineering.
Another major outcome of the Fez seminar was the signing of a founding agreement to establish the Al Jazari Institute for Industry X.0, a new institution aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. The institute will serve as a platform for advanced research, technology development, and industrial experimentation centered on next-generation manufacturing systems and digital technologies. The agreement was signed by several government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Major academic institutions such as Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Moulay Ismail University and Al Akhawein University also joined the initiative. Together, these partners will build what is known as the Al Jazari Network, a system of regional centers of excellence dedicated to advancing Industry X.0 technologies and bridging the gap between scientific research and large-scale industrial implementation.
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Beyond its national economic ambitions, Morocco is seeking to play a more influential role in the global debate on the governance of artificial intelligence. Segrushni suggested that Morocco could serve as a “third voice” in the international debate over AI regulation, offering an alternative perspective to the dominant framework associated with the United States, Europe, and China.
The model envisioned by Morocco addresses the unique needs of emerging economies in Africa and the Arab world, with an emphasis on ethical AI development, responsible innovation, and technological sovereignty. Through a combination of research investment, industrial partnerships and proactive policy leadership, Morocco aims to position itself as a regional hub for AI innovation, leading the digital transformation of both its domestic economy and the wider region.
