Morocco is advancing a vision of artificial intelligence (AI) designed to directly serve citizens, improve public services, and support economic development, a senior government official said on Sunday at a regional technology event in southeastern Morocco.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Drâa-Tafilalet stage of the “Ramadan AI” hackathon in Merzouga, Amal El Fellah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, said the Kingdom is committed to deploying AI to enhance service delivery, optimize the management of natural resources, and assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation.
She described the development of AI technologies as both a development imperative and an ethical responsibility for Morocco.
“Artificial intelligence must serve citizens,” Seghrouchni said, stressing that innovation must go hand in hand with responsible governance and inclusive growth.
According to the minister, Morocco is implementing major structural projects across its regions to strengthen digital infrastructure and consolidate what she termed the country’s “digital sovereignty.” These efforts are accompanied by sustained investment in human capital, with a focus on equipping young professionals and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The “Ramadan AI” hackathon, launched by the Ministry as part of a nationwide caravan touring different regions during the holy month of Ramadan, forms part of this broader strategy. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the government’s “Morocco Digital 2030” strategy, which aims to accelerate digital transformation across public administration and the private sector.
Seghrouchni said the hackathon is designed to mobilize Moroccan talent to develop innovative solutions tailored to local and regional challenges, with tangible socioeconomic impact.
Hosting the event in the Drâa-Tafilalet region — an area known for its desert landscapes and tourism potential — reflects what the minister described as a commitment to “spatial equity” in digital development. By bringing innovation programs beyond major urban centers, the government seeks to ensure that digital opportunities reach all parts of the country.
The “Ramadan AI” initiative is part of the broader “AI Made in Morocco” roadmap, which positions the Kingdom as a producer — rather than merely a consumer — of technological solutions. The strategy aims to foster homegrown innovation while balancing competitiveness with development-driven impact.
Morocco has in recent years stepped up efforts to expand digital public services, promote start-ups, and attract technology investment, positioning itself as a regional hub for digital innovation in Africa and the Mediterranean.
Officials say the focus on sovereign AI solutions reflects a desire to maintain control over strategic digital infrastructure and data governance, while encouraging innovation that supports national development priorities.
