Marrakesh: Morocco has adopted a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex, evolving and deeply interconnected challenges of cybersecurity, said on Wednesday in Marrakesh the Director General of the Directorate General for the Security of Information Systems (DGSSI), Brigadier General Abdellah Boutrig.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the DGSSI Chief emphasized that in an era where digital threats are rapidly evolving, cybersecurity extends beyond being merely a technical issue. It now directly impacts the sovereignty, stability, and economic development of nations. This was highlighted in his opening remarks at the Strategic Digital Defence AI Readiness (STAR) Summit.

The event, held as part of GITEX Africa Morocco in partnership with the DGSSI, assembles the entire African cybersecurity ecosystem to engage in strategic dialogue on digital defense. The official underscored that addressing these challenges demands more than a unilateral approach; cyber resilience, now a strategic necessity, i
s constructed through a multi-country approach within a comprehensive framework.

Given the cross-border nature of cybersecurity challenges, Morocco’s significant efforts in regional and international cooperation and coordination were emphasized, particularly within Africa. The Kingdom actively contributes to the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA), where it has served as vice-president since 2022.

“This reflects a spirit of solidarity in the service of the continent’s resilience,” Boutrig remarked, stressing the importance of a dynamic private-sector ecosystem in each country and robust human capital as essential drivers.

The DGSSI Director General also noted a “shortage” of qualified operational cybersecurity professionals, advocating for enhanced initial and ongoing training, better alignment of academic curricula with field needs, and greater specialization of skills.

These challenges necessitate a collective, structured, and pragmatic response. The panels scheduled as part of GITEX Afr
ica Morocco will address crucial topics such as the implementation of national strategies, cross-border cooperation, cyber risk management for critical environments, and the strengthening of human capacities, Boutrig concluded.