Morocco has announced new plans to grow its tech sector as it prepares to host the fourth GITEX Africa event.
The announcement was made by Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, who outlined the next phase of the country’s Morocco Digital 2030 strategy.
In her speech, she said: “With the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, we are aiming for the industrialisation of our technological ecosystem.” She added: “Our goals are ambitious: cultivate 3,000 startups and give birth to Moroccan unicorns, train 100,000 digital talents annually, mobilise 700 million dirhams for venture building, and catalyse over 2 billion dirhams in venture capital.”
The plan follows the vision of King Mohammed VI, who has described digital technology as key to economic growth and independence.
The government has launched the Morocco 300 initiative. More than 930 startups applied this year and 300 were chosen to present their projects to global investors at GITEX Africa in Marrakech.
Officials also confirmed a partnership with global investor network Keiretsu Forum. Through the “Keiretsu Startup Connect – Moroccan Edition” programme, 100 promising startups will receive mentoring, and a smaller group will travel to Silicon Valley for training and networking.
The government plans to provide 700 million dirhams to help early-stage startups grow and aims to attract more than 2 billion dirhams in investment to help companies expand abroad.
The strategy also includes training 100,000 people each year in digital skills such as software development, data science and artificial intelligence.
A new centre called Jazari Root will focus on artificial intelligence and research to help Morocco become a digital link between Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
This work will support the Digital for Sustainable Development Hub, created with the UN Development Programme, which promotes technology projects focused on climate and social challenges.
