Morocco is making a bold move to become a leader in the video game industry in Africa and the Arab world with the creation of “Rabat Gaming City,” a specialized zone dedicated to gaming in Rabat’s Yacoub Mansour district. Spanning 5 hectares and requiring an initial investment of 360 million dirhams, this expansive project will feature a fully integrated ecosystem, including coworking spaces, recording studios, and high-tech conference halls. The goal is twofold: attract major industry players like Ubisoft and EA Games while fostering the growth of local Moroccan studios.
A booming gaming market ripe for investment
Morocco’s gaming sector is experiencing rapid growth. According to a study by Statista, the industry’s revenue is expected to reach 2.28 billion dirhams in 2024 and is projected to grow to 3 billion dirhams by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 9.39% from 2024 to 2027. The average revenue per user (ARPU) is also noteworthy, projected to be around $30.22 (about 303 dirhams) in 2024. These figures underscore the Moroccan market’s potential and make “Rabat Gaming City” a timely investment.
Partnerships and talent development for a thriving ecosystem
To support this growth, Morocco has forged a strategic partnership with tech giant Huawei. This collaboration aims to train local talent in key areas such as game design, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, and to incubate promising start-ups in the sector. By 2030, Morocco’s vision for Rabat Gaming City includes creating 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating 5 billion dirhams in revenue.
International gaming convention in 2025: positioning Morocco as a regional hub
The second edition of the International Gaming Expo, set for 2025 in Rabat, is expected to attract thousands of professionals, developers, and enthusiasts worldwide, cementing Morocco’s position as a gaming hub. Rabat Gaming City is set to become more than a business center—it will offer amenities including a clinic, educational institutions, and a hotel, all conveniently located near the Rabat-Agdal tramway and train station for easy accessibility.
With “Rabat Gaming City,” Morocco is not only investing in the gaming sector but also establishing itself as a regional powerhouse in digital entertainment and technology.
