Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing economies and societies, driving transformation across public services, industry, and innovation. With a strong focus on AI, Morocco aims to enhance its global competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
On March 17, Moroccan and U.S. officials convened in Washington to discuss ways to deepen collaboration in digital technology and artificial intelligence. The meeting, part of Morocco’s ongoing efforts to accelerate its tech ambitions, featured discussions between Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Steve Lang, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Leila Elmergawi, Director of Global AI Strategy and Policy at the U.S. State Department, also joined the conversation. The talks centered on Morocco’s AI roadmap and its “Digital Morocco 2030” plan, emphasizing a shared commitment to driving digital innovation.
“We reaffirmed the strong Morocco-U.S. partnership, advancing cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and shared prosperity for both our nations,” stated Youssef Amrani, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States.
The collaboration aligns with Morocco’s “Digital Morocco 2030” initiative, which seeks to establish the country as a leading technology hub in Africa. AI is seen as a critical component in this vision, particularly for modernizing public services. As part of its plans, Morocco aims to deploy AI-driven solutions to automate administrative processes, enhance data analysis, and improve service delivery, with the goal of improving its position in the United Nations Online Services Index from 90th to 50th place by 2030.
The United States, the global leader in AI according to the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) AI Index, remains at the forefront of AI research, development, and economic impact. U.S. private sector AI investment ($67.2 billion) far surpasses that of China ($7.8 billion), and the U.S. produces a significantly higher number of machine learning models (61 vs. 15).
Morocco is leveraging U.S. expertise to fast-track its digital transformation, enhance international competitiveness, and boost the AI sector. The partnership could provide Morocco with access to cutting-edge technologies, improve its digital infrastructure, and attract vital AI-sector investments. Additionally, the collaboration aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, helping Morocco cultivate a strong and competitive AI ecosystem within its borders.
