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 Ministry of Digital Transition has partnered with FRDISI to support digital research and innovation. The partnership includes funding 18 doctoral theses, aligning with national goals to increase the ICT sector’s GDP contribution and create 125,000 new jobs.
Userguest, a Moroccan startup, has raised $2.4 million to expand and innovate its hotel revenue optimization tool. The investment will enhance Userguest’s technology for personalizing hotel guest interactions, aiming to increase direct bookings and user satisfaction across over 30 countries.
Morocco has relaunched the e-TAMKEEN program on Academia Raqmya to train more civil servants and professionals in digital skills. The program, running from 2018 to 2023, has already trained 6,800 participants, supporting Morocco’s national digital strategy, Maroc Digital 2030.
Morocco’s “Décollage 2025” initiative aims to transform its airports with digital technology, including e-gates and smart systems, enhancing efficiency and security. This investment prepares Morocco for upcoming international events and improves its appeal as a tourist destination.
Maroc Telecom settles $640 million in damages with Inwi for unfair competition practices. This historic settlement, marking the largest ever penalty in Morocco’s telecom sector, underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny and competitiveness in the telecommunications market.
Morocco’s telecommunications sector saw significant growth in the first half of 2024, with the subscriber base reaching 59.8 million, driven by a 5% increase in mobile users. Internet subscriptions also grew by 6.9%, surpassing 39.1 million, reflecting the country’s digital transformation and resulting in a mobile penetration rate of 152.1%.
Morocco is leading Africa in AI adoption, with 80% of its population aware of ChatGPT and 38% actively using it, according to a BCG survey. This positions Morocco as a global leader in embracing AI technology, driven by a tech-savvy population and strategic investments in digital infrastructure and education.
Mustapha Meloui, President of the Moroccan Observatory for Digital Sovereignty, highlighted Morocco’s strides toward becoming a leading “Digital Nation” in Africa, backed by strong ICT metrics and national programs. The upcoming “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy aims to position Morocco as a premier digital hub on the continent.
Libya, Morocco, and Seychelles lead Africa in ICT development, as per the ITU’s 2024 report. Despite improvements across the continent, disparities remain, with Libya scoring 88.1 points and Chad at the bottom with 21.3 points.
Morocco has given telecom companies a three-month deadline to identify all anonymous phone numbers or face suspension of these lines. This initiative aims to enhance security and accountability in the telecommunications sector by ensuring all phone numbers are properly identified and linked to their respective owners.