Morocco and France are seeking to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as both countries push to strengthen digital sovereignty, foster innovation and reduce technological dependencies.
The issue was at the centre of talks held on Monday in Geneva between Morocco's Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, and France's Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Anne Le Hénanff.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, which brought together government officials and experts to discuss global frameworks for AI governance.
According to the Moroccan government, the discussions focused on a broad range of areas, including research and innovation, talent development, support for startups and businesses, digital infrastructure, governance, and the integration of artificial intelligence into economic activities and public services.
The two sides also explored opportunities for partnerships based on co-innovation, skills transfer and the development of local capabilities in emerging technologies.
Speaking after the meeting, Seghrouchni said Rabat and Paris are preparing for a new bilateral meeting in the Moroccan capital in mid-July aimed at further advancing cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
She noted that both countries share common objectives, particularly in strengthening competitiveness, enhancing digital sovereignty and limiting dependence on external technologies.
The Moroccan minister also stressed that the two nations advocate a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence, one that prioritises privacy protection, security by design and the use of technology to serve citizens. She highlighted Morocco's commitment to international efforts on AI ethics, including its contributions to the recommendations adopted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
For her part, Le Hénanff said the talks were part of an ongoing strategic partnership between Morocco and France on digital issues, pointing to significant opportunities for collaboration in innovation ecosystems, cloud technologies and the wider deployment of AI in both public administrations and private companies.
The French official also underlined the two countries' shared vision regarding digital sovereignty, citizen protection and the safeguarding of common values in the development of artificial intelligence.
She further praised Morocco's growing role in Africa's digital transformation, describing the kingdom as "a driving force" in the modernisation, digitalisation and expansion of artificial intelligence across the continent.
Le Hénanff added that France sees Morocco as "a natural partner" for developing strategic cooperation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, reflecting the increasingly close technological partnership between Rabat and Paris.
