At Gitex Africa 2024 in Marrakech, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch revealed Morocco's Digital Strategy 2030, a result of joint efforts between the public and private sectors. It focuses on two primary goals: digitizing public services and enhancing the digital economy to foster local digital solutions, create jobs, and add value.

Akhannouch noted that training young talent is important to achieve these goals. This prompted the country to sign an agreement in 2023 to triple the number of digitalization graduates by 2027. The country has also partnered with leading international tech firms to enhance local expertise and expedite information technology, research, and development progress.

Gitex Africa provides a key platform for positioning Africa in the digital arena and promoting technological, economic, social, and political growth. According to Akhannouch, digital transformation is expected to streamline trade, reduce costs, and increase efficiency through e-commerce and online payment platforms across African countries. Additionally, it encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in fintech, which has proven to facilitate the integration of African financial markets, including in rural areas.

Why does it matter?

Digitalization has been a priority for Morocco. Recently, Morocco announced a new program to connect 1,800 rural areas to the internet in the coming months. According to a UNESCO report, Morocco ranks 35th in the Open Data Watch 2022 and 50th in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2022 and features key enablers for the development of AI. With the upcoming digital strategy, Morocco is signaling its intention to intensify efforts to become a leader in digital transformation in Africa.