Nokia has inaugurated its first regional Innovation Center in Salé, Morocco, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East. This facility is designed to serve as a regional research hub for the EMEA region and will play a crucial role in the Digital Morocco 2030 initiative by advancing digital skills, supporting 5G readiness, and fostering innovation across EMEA.
The Innovation Center is equipped with a variety of technologies, including IP, optical transport, and fiber housed within a data center. It aims to function as a hub for testing, verification, deployment, and training of advanced solutions.
Additionally, the center will offer training programs for engineering schools and universities through certification initiatives such as Service Routing Architect (SRA) and Network Routing Specialist (NRS II). It will also provide tools for Generative AI integration using natural language, thereby contributing to the upskilling and reskilling of young Moroccan talent.
Pierre Chaume, Vice President of North, West, and Central Africa for Network Infrastructure at Nokia, expressed pride in establishing the Innovation Center in Morocco. He stated, “This center will serve our customers and partners in the EMEA region and contribute to the development of local talent and the broader digital ecosystem, in line with Digital Morocco 2030. It underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the growth of critical networks that drive digital transformation across industries.”
Mrs. Ghita Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, commented on the significance of the Innovation Center, stating, “The opening of Nokia’s Innovation Center in Morocco is a testament to our country’s ability to attract leading global technology companies and foster innovation. This center will enhance our position as a regional hub for digital services across EMEA and play a crucial role in developing local talent. By aligning with Digital Morocco 2030, the center contributes to our efforts in advancing STEM education, equipping our youth with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy, and supporting our nation’s 5G readiness and technological future.”
In conjunction with this announcement, Nokia also revealed a partnership with Lenovo to develop AI-focused data center offerings. This collaboration will combine Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and storage with various Nokia products related to data center fabric, IP routing, DDoS security portfolios, and network automation.
