Morocco is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s AI sector as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to French weekly Challenges. The push is part of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, backed by a MAD 11 billion budget aimed at transforming the country into a regional digital hub.
The article, titled “Why Not a Moroccan Unicorn? AI at the Heart of the Kingdom’s Entrepreneurial Bet,” highlights Morocco’s strengths, including 23 data centers, one of which is Africa’s largest. Planned investments include a nationwide fiber-optic rollout and the centralization of administrative services via a single digital platform.
“Morocco is well positioned on the African continent,” Challenges notes, citing its modern infrastructure and scientific talent pool. Moroccan students make up 21% of international students in French engineering schools, and many of the Kingdom’s preparatory programs are internationally recognized.
The magazine also points to the January 2024 opening of a Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) branch in Paris. Located near Rabat, the main UM6P campus features high-tech facilities and reinforces the country’s drive for excellence.
The key challenge now, Challenges notes, is repatriating top talent to fuel Morocco’s AI-driven transformation.
