Rabat: Speaking at the opening of the Conference, which was held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch emphasized the Moroccan government’s ambition to establish an effective and ethical national AI strategy aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable human development.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Akhannouch highlighted the ongoing technological revolution that is reshaping economies and reinventing lifestyles. He acknowledged the vast opportunities presented by AI while also cautioning against the challenges it poses, particularly concerning digital sovereignty, social justice, data protection, and ethics.
Morocco is advancing its digital modernization efforts through the “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy, with the government allocating MAD 11 billion for its implementation. This initiative aims to invigorate the digital economy, boost employment, and nurture emerging talent in the digital sector by training 100,000 young people and creating 240,000 job opportunities by 2030.
According to the Head of Government, the national digital system has significantly evolved, with AI now serving as a strategic lever for transforming the economy and society. This technology has notably enhanced the healthcare sector by improving disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment processes, thereby increasing overall system efficiency.
In agriculture, AI has facilitated better management of water resources and improved production, while in education, it has introduced innovative pedagogical tools to lower drop-out rates and enhance learning quality. However, Akhannouch noted that AI also presents challenges for the job market. Companies failing to integrate AI into their operations risk falling behind competitors more adept in IT development and logistics services.
He further warned that AI’s capability to surpass human performance in certain tasks threatens the viability of specific professions. “Ignoring this technology means missing out on promising economic opportunities, while integrating it requires restructuring the job market to adapt to rapid global changes,” he stated.
Beyond ethical challenges associated with AI, such as disinformation and data manipulation, the Head of Government expressed concern over the rapid spread of fake news, which can negatively affect public opinion and undermine societal values.
The conference’s inaugural session was attended by notable figures, including Andr© Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King, Upper House Speaker Mohamed Ould Errachid, government members, institutional presidents, constitutional body representatives, and ambassadors accredited to Rabat.
Organized by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform under the theme “An efficient and ethical AI strategy to serve our society,” the conference seeks to outline a sovereign national AI strategy tailored to the population’s needs and strategic sectors, aligned with High Royal Guidelines. The first day featured sector-specific technical sessions and AI-driven startup demonstrations, while the second day focused on political dimensions and international AI cooperation.