Rabat — November 11, 2025: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with FLock.io, has launched the second phase of its SDG Blockchain Accelerator, supporting seven global initiatives that leverage blockchain, federated learning, and decentralized AI for sustainable development. Among these, Morocco has been selected for a landmark project titled “Cultural Heritage & Market Access (Morocco)”, aimed at empowering artisans through NFT authentication and AI-driven digital marketplaces.
Empowering Moroccan Artisans Through Web3 and AI
The Moroccan project will create an AI + Web3 platform to authenticate artisans’ work using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and connect them directly to global buyers through secure, transparent digital marketplaces. The system integrates multi-modal AI content generation to enhance visibility and increase artisan income. The initiative supports SDGs 1, 8, and 9 — tackling poverty, promoting decent work, and fostering innovation and infrastructure.
A Transformative Project in a Transitional Legal Landscape
The launch comes as Morocco prepares to formalize its digital asset regulations under Bill 42.25, drafted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The bill seeks to define digital assets as electronic representations of value or rights transferable via blockchain, covering utility tokens and stablecoins but notably excluding NFTs, cryptocurrency mining, and CBDCs.
The proposed law aims to protect investors, combat financial crimes, and promote innovation, with oversight distributed among key financial authorities including the AMMC and Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM).
Innovation Ahead of Regulation
Because NFTs are currently excluded from the bill’s scope, the UNDP–FLock.io project operates in a regulatory gray zone. While its e-commerce and digital marketing components fit within existing frameworks, the use of NFT-based authentication lacks formal legal definition in Morocco. This creates both opportunities for innovation and challenges in compliance as the law evolves.
Despite this uncertainty, the initiative represents a significant step forward for Morocco’s digital economy, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance cultural preservation and inclusive growth.
Balancing Global Innovation with National Development
By merging AI, blockchain, and sustainable development, the UNDP–FLock.io collaboration highlights how global innovation initiatives can drive local transformation. The project not only strengthens Morocco’s position as a regional leader in digital innovation but also anticipates a future-ready regulatory framework that balances technological progress with market integrity.
