Ben Guerir – On the second day of the fifth edition of UM6P’s Science Week, Morocco World News (MWN) sat down with Ali Kettani, Director of UM6P’s College of Computing, to discuss Morocco’s emerging role in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to lead regional and global innovation.
Kettani emphasized the importance of education and entrepreneurship in positioning Morocco as a key player in AI development. He noted the significance of leveraging local expertise to create AI models that can address pressing local, national, and continental challenges, particularly in sectors like health, mobility, energy, and climate change.
He further discussed the global AI landscape, including breakthroughs by companies such as OpenAI and DeepSeek. Kettani pointed out that Morocco possesses all the necessary resources to develop its own technology to meet its unique challenges, emphasizing the country’s potential to drive innovation within Africa and beyond.
UM6P’s College of Computing has been instrumental in this transformation, attracting top-tier professors and researchers in AI, computer science, and cybersecurity. This academic excellence, Kettani said, is essential in drawing outstanding students from Morocco and abroad, contributing to the country’s growing technological ecosystem.
Kettani also spoke about the disruption AI is set to bring, which he believes will surpass even the advent of the internet. Domestically, he highlighted the need for Morocco to build local AI capabilities and invest in education to remain competitive on the global tech stage.
The College of Computing at UM6P, Kettani explained, plays a pivotal role in this mission, aiming to nurture the next generation of tech innovators. In addition to education, he emphasized the growing importance of entrepreneurship in the evolving global market.
“I believe that one area where young Moroccan and African talent can truly thrive is through start-ups and launching their own companies, addressing challenges we face every day,” Kettani said. He envisions a future where local entrepreneurs not only tackle regional issues but contribute to solving global challenges.
With its focus on education and entrepreneurship, UM6P is positioning itself as a key player in the future of AI development in Morocco and Africa. The university’s Science Week serves as a platform for leading minds in technology and innovation to exchange knowledge and reinforce Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development, AI, and technological entrepreneurship.
