The “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy is a key component of the government’s plan to boost digital opportunities and create jobs in the nation, according to Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch.
This initiative aims to create new job prospects, particularly for young people who are not engaged in education or employment, known as NEET.
During the official launch event held via video conference in Rabat, Akhannouch emphasized the potential of digitalization to open new avenues for employment. He highlighted that the strategy focuses on addressing the challenges faced by NEET youth, providing them with skills necessary for today’s job market.
The head of the government commended the collaborative efforts of various national stakeholders in crafting this roadmap.
He noted that extensive consultations were held with key actors in the digital field, including public administrations, professional associations, and civil society organizations, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
Akhannouch pointed out that overcoming the effects of recent crises on the job market is a top priority for the government. He revealed that the Executive has a clear vision and concrete measures planned, which will be outlined during the upcoming examination of the 2025 Financial act.
The “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy comes with a budget of MAD 11 billion for the period from 2024 to 2026. The government aims to train 100,000 young people each year in digital skills, a substantial increase from the 14,000 who received training in 2022.
To invigorate job creation within the digital economy, the strategy will promote outsourcing, strengthen startups through legal frameworks, and adopt appropriate financing mechanisms. These measures aim to support entrepreneurs throughout the lifecycle of their projects.
Akhannouch further stated that the success of employment initiatives in the digital sector hinges on Morocco’s ability to provide qualitative and quantitative training. He indicated that the government plans to increase the number of graduates in digital specialties from public universities, targeting a tripling of this figure by 2027.
In support of its goals, Morocco has signed agreements with several leading multinational companies specializing in digital technologies, research, and innovation. This collaboration is intended to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and strengthen local human capital.
Akhannouch clarified that one of the strategy’s key objectives is to digitize public administration. This effort aims to facilitate citizens’ access to public services, enhance transparency, and combat corruption more effectively. He expressed ambitions for Morocco to rank first in Africa and 50th globally in terms of digital administration.
The strategy prioritizes digitization in sectors deemed essential by citizens, such as health, investment, education, and employment. It aims to empower the Moroccan Agency for Digital Development (ADD) to improve the digitization of public services.
The plan will establish a unified portal for administrative services, streamlining access for both citizens and businesses. It also seeks to improve internet infrastructure to enhance connectivity, particularly in rural areas, while launching the fifth generation (5G) of mobile services.
Akhannouch reiterated the government’s determination to carry out the various planned measures. He emphasized that these actions are necessary for Morocco to fully embrace the digital era and maximize its potential for digital innovation.
The strategy seeks to create around 240,000 direct jobs for young people across various sectors. It also aims to retrain 100,000 youth annually by 2030 to equip them with necessary digital skills.
The project’s goal is to enhance the efficiency of digital public services, simplifying processes for citizens and businesses in both urban and rural settings. The overarching aim is to improve the performance of the Moroccan administration and elevate its global ranking.