Marrakech: Al Akhawayn University aims to make its academic program in “Master’s in Artificial Intelligence” (AI) a driver of transformation to generate a sustainable societal impact, said its president, Amine Bensaid, on Monday in Marrakech.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, in an interview on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of GITEX Africa Morocco, Bensaid highlighted the university’s pioneering role in AI education, recalling the launch of a research master’s in the field from the university’s early years, followed by a Bachelor’s program in 2020. He noted that the university currently offers about ten programs that cover AI-related fields in business, engineering, and the humanities, emphasizing its commitment to training students capable of understanding and guiding AI technology.

On the research front, Bensaid showcased several projects focused on social and economic impact, including the use of AI in agriculture, wildfire prevention, and linguistic analysis in Darija. He mentioned that students’ final projects increasingly include an AI component, reflecting the university’s emphasis on integrating AI into various aspects of study.

Regarding the development of the national ecosystem, Bensaid stressed that Morocco has made “a very strong start,” highlighting the growing interest from students, faculty involvement, and the emergence of champions in fields like fintech. He noted that Morocco is seen as a leader in Africa and emphasized the need to structure efforts, invest in talent, and consolidate achievements.