WAM Morocco Editorials

Morocco has a track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, from high-speed rail to expansive solar power initiatives. Its latest national vision, the "Digital 2030" strategy, may be its most transformative yet. This comprehensive strategy is not merely about adopting new technology. It is a blueprint to embed digital innovation into the fabric of the nation's economy and position the Kingdom as a digital leader in Africa and a competitive global hub.

A Citizen-Centric, Digitally Integrated Vision

The strategy pursues three core outcomes: economic growth, public service enhancement and a dynamic digital economy. It sets clear, measurable targets:

• GDP Contribution: Add $10.36 billion to national output by 2030
• Job Creation: Generate 240,000 digital sector jobs
• Global Ranking: Improve Morocco’s position in the UN Online Services Index from 100th place to the top 50
• Start-up Ecosystem: Launch 3,000 start-ups, aiming to produce 1 – 2 unicorns and reach $4.15 billion in digital exports

The plan focuses on two pillars: digitising public services and accelerating the digital economy  It is a dual approach designed to improve the citizen experience while creating a fertile ground for businesses to innovate and scale.

Strategic Investment in Infrastructure

This vision is backed by significant financial commitment: the government has allocated over $1.1 billion (2024 to 2026) to support the strategy. In a separate, but highly complementary initiative, an additional $8 billion is being invested to deploy 5G technology, with a target of covering 85% of the country by 2030. This investment ensures digital services and start-ups will operate on reliable, high-speed infrastructure.

A Public–Private Ecosystem Driving Execution

The strategy is being implemented through a robust public-private partnership framework:

• Government Leadership: The Ministry of Digital Transition and the Digital Development Agency (ADD) are leading execution, focusing on regulation, service delivery and ecosystem coordination.
• Global Tech Collaboration: UAE-based AI71 is supporting AI adoption; Oracle will invest $140 million to launch two cloud regions (Casablanca and Settat) and Binance Academy, with the Blockchain Centre, is offering a blockchain engineering course to upskill local talent.
• Local Start-up Support: Homegrown ventures such as Tookeez (blockchain-based loyalty programmes) and AI competition winners like TOUM AI, Heyy.ma, PostGoo and Thinkable are receiving structured support for growth and scale-up.

Projects Driving Transformation on the Ground

The Digital 2030 strategy is already in motion with several high-impact projects that will redefine the Moroccan landscape:

• Unified Digital Services Portal: A centralised platform is being developed to digitise and streamline administrative services in healthcare, education and social welfare.
• 5G and Infrastructure Expansion: The $8 billion 5G rollout is foundational, complemented by the development of fabrication labs and prototyping centres to enable innovation and tech training.
• AI & Blockchain Integration: A new AI directorate is being established. A regional Arab-African digital hub, in partnership with the UNDP, will support AI and blockchain deployment in public services and start-ups.
• Talent Development at Scale: The plan targets training 100,000 youth annually in digital fields. This is supported by new scholarships and academic partnerships – marking a significant increase from previous efforts.

Morocco Digital 2030 represents a bold leap forward. By aligning infrastructure investment, ecosystem partnerships and human capital development, Morocco is not just adapting to digital transformation: it is architecting its digital future. The success of this initiative will serve as a powerful blueprint for other developing economies looking to harness technology for sustainable and inclusive growth.