In a significant development for Morocco's technological landscape, Amal El-Fallah Seghrouchni, the minister in charge of digital transition and administrative reform, announced that the ministry is collaborating with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to establish a second international center for artificial intelligence in the country. This new center is set to become a hub of excellence for the African continent and the Arab nations.
During a communication meeting organized by the regional office of the Authenticity and Modernity Party in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Seghrouchni emphasized that the center has not yet been officially announced by the UN organization. However, she highlighted that Morocco already hosts an international center for artificial intelligence affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, in partnership with UNESCO.
Seghrouchni elaborated on the ongoing efforts surrounding this project, noting that substantial investments are required to advance artificial intelligence capabilities. She referenced previous commitments from global leaders, including a $500 billion investment package announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump and $200 billion from Europe, in addition to investments from the UAE ranging between $30 and $50 billion.
"Morocco possesses exceptional competencies in this field, particularly in mathematics, where Moroccans rank among the best in the world," Seghrouchni stated, underscoring the critical role that mathematics plays in the development of artificial intelligence.
The minister, who has extensive experience in scientific research and artificial intelligence development, stressed the necessity for Morocco to collaborate with international organizations such as UNESCO and leading nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance its capabilities in this domain. She also pointed out the importance of attracting investors to Morocco, emphasizing that no investment comes without the requisite skilled workforce.
Seghrouchni warned of the distinction between digitization as a broad field and artificial intelligence as a specialized tool that can be utilized across various sectors. She noted that advancements in artificial intelligence could lead to possibilities such as conducting job interviews through thought-reading technologies.
Addressing Morocco's digital strategy for 2030, the minister revealed plans to create 12 centers that would integrate scientific research, innovation, and both public and private sectors to foster major projects. However, she acknowledged that funding for scientific research in digitization and artificial intelligence remains a significant barrier to progress in Morocco.
"Developing the digital economy necessitates excellence rather than mere quick fixes, which requires enhancing the skills of workers in this field," Seghrouchni remarked, indicating a need for a more robust educational framework.
During the meeting, Seghrouchni also responded to questions regarding the lack of implementation of the AL MASTER JUNIOR program, aimed at training children in digital and artificial intelligence fields in Moroccan schools. She explained that she had previously discussed the initiative with former Minister of National Education Chakib Benmoussa, who deemed it too costly given the current budget constraints. However, she later spoke with the new minister, Mohamed Saad Barada, who expressed approval for the program and indicated that steps would be taken to implement it.
The minister acknowledged the challenges of executing the program in rural areas due to a shortage of qualified trainers. To address this, she announced a partnership with the Phosphate Office to provide the necessary expertise for this training.
Seghrouchni stressed the need for a reliable and secure digital infrastructure to fulfill the aspirations set for 2030, asserting that the focus should not only be on digital production but also on ensuring security and reliability.
Regarding legislation related to digitization, she mentioned that she has requested the government secretariat to form a committee comprising digital experts alongside lawmakers, noting that this proposal has been approved. She emphasized that it is insufficient for only one party to be involved in drafting digital legislation.
In response to concerns about the rising cyberattacks targeting Moroccan data, Seghrouchni clarified that this issue falls under the purview of the General Directorate for Information Systems, which implements stringent security measures in this area.
On the topic of "Yukod" schools that utilize self-learning models for programming, Seghrouchni revealed that there is an agreement with the Sharif Office for Phosphates to support the establishment of these schools throughout Morocco. The Yukod Fes school is scheduled to open in September 2027.
As part of her interaction with attendees, Seghrouchni addressed inquiries about increasing scholarships for Moroccan students pursuing studies related to data security, particularly concerning the dark web. She reiterated that the subject is managed by the General Directorate for Information Systems, which maintains strict security protocols.
In conclusion, the establishment of a second artificial intelligence center in Morocco, along with the ongoing initiatives to enhance the digital economy and education, reflects the country's commitment to becoming a leader in technological innovation on the African continent.