Morocco Gaming Expo 2026 opened Tuesday in Rabat under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, with Moroccan officials positioning the gaming industry as a strategic pillar of the country’s future digital and cultural economy.
The event, inaugurated by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, is considered the first large-scale gaming expo of its kind in Africa and reflects Morocco’s ambition to become a regional technology and creative hub.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid said the global gaming industry now exceeds $300 billion in value, adding that Morocco aims to capture 1% of the global market by 2030 or 2032.
Bensaid said Morocco has significantly expanded its gaming ecosystem in recent years, with the number of gaming startups rising from only a handful in 2022 to more than 40 nationwide today. According to the minister, the sector is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs while strengthening Morocco’s cultural exports and international economic profile.
Held from May 20 to 24 in Rabat, this year’s edition carries the theme “Moroccan Talent” and focuses on showcasing local developers, creators, esports players, and startups. The exhibition platform features gaming studios, investors, telecom operators, hardware manufacturers, cloud gaming providers, and training institutions.
The event also includes several specialized forums addressing public policy, business opportunities, ethics and cybersecurity in gaming, development technologies, and video game creation. Panels, workshops, and masterclasses are being led by Moroccan and international industry experts.
A dedicated esports arena is hosting national tournaments, including a football esports competition officially launched by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan during his visit to the venue.
Moroccan authorities see the gaming sector as part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and accelerate digital transformation. Officials say the initiative aligns with the country’s long-term vision of attracting investment, supporting youth employment, and strengthening Morocco’s competitiveness in emerging technological industries.
The hosting of the expo also coincides with Rabat’s designation by UNESCO as World Book Capital 2026, reinforcing Morocco’s efforts to position its capital as a major center for culture, innovation, and creative industries in Africa and the Mediterranean region.
