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’s ADD and DWTC are expanding their GITEX Africa partnership to boost Africa’s digital leadership. The event has become a key hub for startups and investors, supporting Morocco’s Digital 2030 goals and 5G rollout ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The University of Rabat and Cisco have launched a local Incubation Centre to advance AI and cybersecurity. The partnership includes the Cisco Networking Academy, offering ICT and advanced tech training as part of Cisco’s global Country Digital Acceleration program to support Morocco’s digital transformation.
Morocco is fast-tracking public service digitalisation under Morocco Digital 2030, with a strong focus on MREs. Initiatives include a unified portal, e-ID integration, and over 600 digitised services, aiming to boost efficiency, access, and national ties.
A €49 million submarine cable will link Morocco to Spain’s Canary Islands by 2028, enhancing Europe-Africa digital connectivity. Led by Islalink and Canalink, it will improve redundancy, internet quality, and tech infrastructure, supporting both regions’ ambitions as strategic telecommunications hubs.
AMEA Power is expanding Morocco’s Agadir desalination plant with renewable wind energy, increasing capacity to 400,000 m³/day. The €250 million joint venture with Cox highlights integrated water-energy solutions for North Africa.
Revolut is entering Morocco with payments and FX services first, aiming for a neobank license within two years. It has appointed a local lead and is building a 60-person team. The move aligns with its European expansion and aims to drive digital finance transformation in Morocco.
Morocco partners with Onepoint to launch an AI and Data Center of Excellence in Casablanca, aiming to train 45,000 tech professionals and create 500 jobs by 2030. The move strengthens Morocco’s digital ambitions alongside investments from Oracle, Nokia, Cisco, and Naver.
Morocco ranks 96th globally with an average fixed broadband speed of 61.43 Mbps, well below the global average of 103 Mbps. Leading countries exceed 200 Mbps, highlighting a major gap. Continued investment is needed for Morocco to improve its digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Morocco is advancing CBDC exploration to enhance payment systems domestically and across borders, amid ongoing cryptocurrency restrictions. Collaboration with global institutions supports regulatory and technical evaluation.
ORA, a Casablanca-born Moroccan startup, raised $7.5 million in Series A funding, championing the value of local innovation and signaling Morocco’s readiness to support homegrown tech ventures.