Rabat – February 18, 2026: Morocco has signed a landmark public-private partnership with global insurance group AXA to accelerate the development of national talent in artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced digital technologies.
The agreement brings together three key ministries — Industry and Commerce, Higher Education, and Digital Transition — under the “AI Made in Morocco” initiative. The program is designed to build a sovereign AI ecosystem developed and mastered locally, strengthening the country’s competitiveness in high-value technology sectors.
The partnership focuses on training and capacity building across priority domains including AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and DevOps. It includes co-designed degree programs, work-study models, continuing education tracks, applied research collaboration, and expanded internship pipelines to ensure closer alignment between academic institutions and private sector needs.
Several leading institutions will be involved, including École Centrale Casablanca, Arts et Métiers Rabat, and ISCAE, alongside public universities that will deliver specialized programs tailored to evolving industry demand.
Officials described the initiative as a strategic lever for Morocco’s industrial and digital transformation. Strengthening human capital in advanced technologies is viewed as essential to attracting high-tech investment, scaling innovation, and positioning Morocco as a regional hub for digital professions.
A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from all signatories will oversee implementation and ensure measurable outcomes.
For Morocco’s startup ecosystem, the move is particularly significant. By expanding the local pool of AI engineers, data scientists, and cloud specialists, the initiative is expected to reduce talent shortages that often constrain startup growth. It also signals stronger integration between academia, global corporates, and emerging tech ventures — a key ingredient for building scalable innovation ecosystems.
