The Moroccan government has announced a new investment of 360 million dirhams (approximately $36 million) aimed at establishing a specialized gaming zone in the capital city of Rabat. This initiative is a key component of the country’s 2025 Finance Bill and aligns with Morocco’s aspirations to become a leading player in the gaming industry within both Africa and the Middle East.
The gaming zone will serve as a hub for game development, coding, and professional training, providing resources and support to local gaming startups. The Moroccan government hopes that this infrastructure will cultivate a thriving ecosystem for the gaming sector, generating jobs, attracting foreign talent and investment, and creating a sustainable revenue stream.
Mehdi Bensaïd, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, is a driving force behind the project. Since taking office in 2021, Bensaïd has prioritized diversifying Morocco’s cultural and creative industries, viewing the development of the Rabat gaming district as a pivotal step forward.
“The new gaming zone could create up to 5,000 jobs and generate 5 billion dirhams in revenue by 2030,” Bensaïd projected, highlighting the potential for Moroccan youth to excel in tech-driven fields such as game development.
The recent signing of a strategic partnership with Huawei further strengthens this initiative, aiming to enhance Morocco’s talent pool in gaming and technology. The collaboration focuses on equipping young Moroccans with essential skills for the industry, with Bensaïd envisioning a skilled workforce that will provide Morocco with a competitive edge in gaming and support game development on both regional and international levels.
Morocco’s commitment to the gaming industry has attracted international attention, with Rabat set to host the second edition of an international gaming expo next year, following the successful debut of the Morocco Gaming Expo. This event aims to elevate Morocco’s status as a gaming destination, attracting global players to the new gaming zone and showcasing the country’s potential as a tech and gaming hub.
