Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administration Reform, highlighted Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem to take advantage of the opportunities it provides on Wednesday in Lisbon.
During a panel on “International Cooperation and the Technological Ecosystem” held during the Web Summit, El Fallah Seghrouchni noted that the Morocco Digital 2030 plan launched in September “relies on artificial intelligence, considering it a key element for the development of the digital economy.”
The Minister Delegate added that the Digital Transition Ministry will take a series of measures to advance Morocco’s digital economy, including attracting new international AI companies, encouraging existing players to develop high-value-added AI-based services, supporting AI startups in high-value sectors, backing research and development efforts, and promoting innovation in this area.
She also noted that the initiatives are making Morocco a reference in AI, showcasing successful AI projects, and raising awareness to foster a market shift toward increased use of this advanced technology.
Regarding AI’s challenges, El Fallah Seghrouchni pointed out that advancing AI requires developing experience in AI’s use, promoting scientific research to support advanced technological solutions, and strengthening partnerships with countries, institutions, and international centers of excellence to benefit from best practices.
She also highlighted the launch of the “AI Movement” at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, under UNESCO’s supervision, as Africa’s first Level 2 AI center, certified as a center of excellence in AI and data science on the continent.
El Fallah Seghrouchni also stated that “Morocco is the first African and Arab country to implement UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted at UNESCO’s 41st General Conference in Paris in November 2021.”
The “Morocco Digital 2030” strategy is boosting the digital economy, creating 240,000 direct jobs, contributing to GDP by 2030, and establishing Morocco as a digitally productive country, she said.
The Web Summit, one of the world’s largest annual gatherings in the tech area, brings together around 3,000 startups, over 70,000 participants from 160 countries, and 1,000 investors.