Hybrid Approach: Striking the Balance Between Sovereignty and Collaboration

In her address to the participants, Minister Seghrouchni emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence tools should be carried out by adopting an approach that strikes a balance between the need for sovereignty and the importance of interoperability. She added that Morocco favors a hybrid approach, “where states retain control over their critical infrastructures and sensitive data, while participating in an open, collaborative, and secure AI ecosystem.”

Advancements in AI Infrastructure

Reflecting on the Kingdom’s progress in AI infrastructure, Minister Seghrouchni highlighted that Morocco established Africa's largest data center in 2020, with a capacity of 3.1 petaflops. She announced that additional data centers would soon be established across the country, revealing that Morocco is set to host one of the United Nations’ centers of excellence for Africa and the Arab world.

The minister highlighted that, as a result of these advancements, Morocco rose 11 positions in the 2024 Global Digitization Index. She further stated that Morocco “aspires to be one of the top nations by 2030, and potentially the leading African country.”

Morocco’s Growing Role in Africa and Beyond

Ms. Seghrouchni pointed out that Morocco’s progress in AI has garnered significant attention and visibility across the African continent. The Kingdom is now seen as a strategic hub for AI and digital innovation, not only within Africa but also on the international stage. In this context, she underscored Morocco’s efforts to promote the ethical use and development of AI globally.

As part of its commitment to responsible AI, Morocco has contributed to the development of the first global ethical framework for AI through UNESCO’s Special Expert Committee. Additionally, the country played a pivotal role in co-sponsoring the first United Nations resolution on AI, alongside the United States. Morocco remains dedicated to advancing AI’s development across Africa, fostering innovation that can help address the continent's unique challenges.

Prioritizing Digital Connectivity

Highlighting Morocco's efforts to prioritize digital access, the Minister pointed out that the country has achieved an impressive 90% connectivity rate, primarily due to the implementation of proactive public policies, including the National Plan for the Development of High and Very High-Speed Broadband (PNHD).

The minister added that the government is now working on modernizing telecommunications infrastructure, expanding network capacity, and deploying new antennas, particularly in cities that will host major global events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.