Morocco is strengthening its leadership in digital transformation through a landmark partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies across Arab and African nations.
The collaboration centers on the launch of the Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub, unveiled on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80) in New York. The initiative aims to promote people-centric innovation, support local economies, and foster the integration of advanced technologies—particularly AI, blockchain, and digital public infrastructure (DPI)—in key sectors such as health, education, and climate resilience.
Representatives from across the Middle East and North Africa pledged to form an AI and Data Science Alliance to harmonize standards and readiness efforts for the D4SD Hub. Morocco and the UNDP formalized their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), committing a total of $38 million over three years, with Morocco contributing the majority and the UNDP adding $1 million in in-kind support.
“The adoption of Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a decisive global issue, and Morocco is determined to play an active role by harnessing this technology in the service of inclusive and sustainable human development,” said Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of Morocco.
UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu noted, “Through the D4SD Hub, Morocco and UNDP are creating a platform for countries to co-design, test, and scale digital solutions that serve people and the planet.”
Advancing Emerging Technologies
Morocco’s broader digital strategy includes integrating next-generation technologies to enhance productivity and economic growth. Investments in AI and distributed ledger technology (DLT) are projected to boost the nation’s GDP by 10% by 2030. Practical applications are already emerging, from blockchain systems preventing diploma fraud to AI-powered judicial tools improving efficiency in courts.
Additionally, VPS, a Morocco-based payment service provider, has partnered with Mastercard (NASDAQ: MA) to strengthen digital payment ecosystems and reduce reliance on cash transactions.
Global Ripple Effects in Digital Mobility
The global shift toward smart technologies is also reshaping travel. A new report highlights how biometrics and digital wallets are transforming border control and passenger processing. In the U.K., authorities are rolling out digital IDs and preparing for Europe’s Entry-Exit System (EES), while global IT firm Amadeus reports that 69% of travelers are ready to embrace biometric gateways in place of passports.
Despite growing concerns about data privacy—amplified by recent ransomware attacks on airline systems—carriers such as Etihad Airways, Air New Zealand, and Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways are pressing forward with AI-driven safety and operational upgrades.
Meanwhile, countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Vietnam are advancing national digital ID systems with travel functionality, underscoring how digital innovation is transforming both governance and mobility worldwide.
