Rabat — In a landmark move for Morocco’s technology and education sectors, the National Institute of Posts and Telecommunications (INPT) and the Al Mada Foundation have launched the country’s first Master’s program in Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) — the only program of its kind to combine academic training with a paid work-study model.
The two-year program, which began on September 22 with an inaugural class of 30 students, targets graduates in mathematics, computer science, or physics. Students will complete a common core curriculum in the first year and specialize in their second year. What makes the initiative stand out is its integration of classroom instruction with corporate immersion, enabling students to gain real-world experience while pursuing their degrees.
The work-study format reflects Morocco’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of leading the country’s digital transformation. Corporate partners — Attijariwafa bank, inwi, Managem, and Marjane Group — will host students during different stages of the program, offering mentorship and hands-on experience.
Funded by Al Mada Foundation and its partners, the program is designed to bridge academia and industry. Courses are taught by a mix of university researchers and business professionals, emphasizing both technical mastery and soft skills such as communication, leadership, and digital ethics.
Hassan Ouriagli, President of Al Mada Foundation, emphasized the program’s strategic importance:
“The future of our economies, businesses, and societies depends on how we master and responsibly use data and AI. These technologies have become a strategic imperative, not an option.”
He added that the initiative aims to nurture talent capable of handling advanced technologies while understanding their ethical and social implications — ensuring responsible innovation.
Ahmed Tamtaoui, Interim Director of INPT, highlighted that the partnership with Al Mada Foundation aligns with the institute’s mission to develop highly qualified professionals for Morocco’s digital economy:
“We offer top-tier training that combines academic rigor with professional experience to prepare the talents Morocco needs for its future.”
As Morocco accelerates its digital agenda, the Data and AI Master’s program stands as a model for experiential learning — investing in human capital to power the next generation of data scientists, AI engineers, and digital leaders.
