Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco plans to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan on digitizing labor markets, AI-driven transformation, and youth training between 2026–2028. With Morocco’s strong automotive and aviation sectors and Azerbaijan’s oil and gas potential, joint investments and experience-sharing will help build a skilled workforce and future-ready labor systems.
An international survey shows Moroccans turn to social media more than traditional sources for science information, reflecting the country’s growing digital ecosystem. At the same time, Al Akhawayn University and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University launched an AI research chair to foster innovation, talent, and regional cooperation in artificial intelligence.
Morocco has partnered with Al Barid Bank to digitize scholarship payments for vocational trainees, ensuring faster, transparent, and traceable disbursements. Covering 35,000 beneficiaries annually, the initiative expands access through a digital platform, merit-based criteria, and financial services packages, reinforcing vocational training’s role in national development.
Thunes has rolled out a real-time money transfer service in Morocco, enabling instant payouts in Dirhams. With Morocco receiving $11.5 billion in remittances in 2023, the service leverages direct bank integrations to ensure faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments, enhancing financial inclusion.
King Mohammed VI has appointed General Abdellah Boutrik as head of Morocco’s DGSSI, strengthening the nation’s cyber defence capabilities. The move underscores digital security as a top national priority, with Boutrik tasked to lead an updated cybersecurity strategy amid rising attacks and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Morocco is investing nearly MAD 10 billion under Digital Morocco 2030 to expand AI adoption, create 240,000 jobs, and strengthen innovation in finance and healthcare. Despite challenges, the country is emerging as a North African leader in AI-driven digital transformation.
Morocco’s mobile subscribers climbed to 58.8M and internet subscriptions reached 41.2M by mid-2025, pushing penetration rates to 159.5% and 111.8% respectively. The figures highlight Morocco’s rapid digital adoption and heavy media engagement, with citizens spending nearly six hours daily on media.
Spain has contracted Vodafone UK to provide communications services for the expert team studying the proposed Gibraltar Strait tunnel to connect Spain and Morocco. The two-year deal, worth over €29,000 annually with taxes, ensures secure, continuous connectivity for the project’s ongoing feasibility work.
A new mobile app is digitizing Morocco’s traditional daret savings circles, offering real-time management, reminders, and accessibility for unbanked users. By modernizing this centuries-old practice, the initiative could reduce financial exclusion, improve trust, and support Morocco’s wider push to formalize its shadow economy.
The WTO praised Morocco for its leadership in trade, sustainability, and women’s empowerment, citing its role since the 1994 Marrakech Agreement. Success stories like Doum for Women highlight local impact, while new digital trade and investment agreements promise further opportunities for Morocco’s economy.