Latest news with #DigitalMorocco2030
Morocco World
8 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Dubai Join Forces to Expand GITEX Africa Impact
In Rabat, leaders from Morocco's Digital Development Agency (ADD) and the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) joined forces to advance the bold vision of securing Africa's position at the forefront of the global digital economy. Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the ADD, welcomed today Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the DWTC and CEO of Kaoun International, for a courtesy visit that carried the weight of a deepening partnership. It was an opportunity to reflect on the first three editions of GITEX Africa Morocco, which has quickly become a continental reference, and to shape the direction of its upcoming fourth edition. Speaking after the meeting, El Mezouaghi described GITEX Africa as a strategic platform that does more than connect technology players. It creates momentum for startups, opens doors for investors, and positions Africa as a driving force in the digital future. He linked this mission to Morocco's broader vision, which places digital transformation at the heart of sustainable development, structural transformation, and South-South cooperation. The discussions also addressed Morocco's Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to make the event a showcase of innovation, economic potential, and technological leadership across the continent. For the ADD and DWTC, this collaboration is about more than hosting an annual gathering. It is about building an inclusive, interconnected, and sovereign African digital space. Read also: GITEX Africa 2025 Exceeds All Expectations, Morocco's Digital Minister Says With mutual trust and complementary expertise, both institutions are determined to make GITEX Africa Morocco a lasting catalyst for continental progress. GITEX Africa 2025 demonstrated Morocco's drive to lead digital transformation across the continent. The event brought together tech pioneers, startups, investors, and public sector innovators from over 130 countries in Morocco's iconic red city. Drawing more than 52,000 visitors, the event solidified Morocco's standing as a major digital hub in Africa and a growing force on the global tech stage. Attendance increased by 16% compared to last year, reflecting rising international interest. With 1,450 exhibitors from 138 countries, including 740 startups, 260 of which are Moroccan, the fair offered a diverse showcase of innovation. The Moroccan government played an active role by funding participation costs for over 200 local companies. As part of its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, the North African country also aims to deploy 5G technology and develop the essential digital infrastructure needed to support a modern and connected economy. This advancement will also play a critical role in preparing Morocco for its upcoming role as co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2030, ensuring seamless connectivity and cutting-edge digital services throughout the event. Tags: DigitalDigital Morocco 2030GITEX AFRICAMorocco
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Morocco Advances Digital Sovereignty with 500 MW Green Data Hub
Greenlogue/AP Morocco is embarking on an ambitious project to construct a 500 megawatt data centre powered entirely by renewable energy in Dakhla, Western Sahara, according to digital transition minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni. The facility aims to bolster the protection and localisation of sensitive data infrastructure, reinforcing the kingdom's drive to establish itself as a key digital hub for Africa. The announcement positions the Dakhla centre as a state-owned flagship in Morocco's broader digital modernisation strategy, which allocates 11 billion dirhams toward digital transformation through to 2026. While specifics on project costs and timeline remain undisclosed, its scale highlights the government's commitment to both digital sovereignty and green energy adoption. ADVERTISEMENT This initiative builds on recent developments. Earlier this year, Morocco launched its inaugural sovereign data centre at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. Operational since January, the centre provides cloud hosting for public and private entities, signalling the start of a national network designed to keep critical data within Moroccan jurisdiction. El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasised that through this network of data centres, 'the kingdom not only asserts its digital sovereignty, but also its ambition to become a regional digital hub serving Africa.' That ambition is being underpinned by Morocco's renewable energy investments and expertise in wind and solar technologies, which have already positioned it as a continental leader in clean power production. Analysts note that Morocco's energy transition efforts, driven by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, have delivered substantial capacity. As of 2022, wind generated 13.5 percent of the country's electricity, and solar parks built under the Noor project have substantially expanded solar output. Dakhla itself benefits from favourable wind patterns, averaging 7–8.5 m/s, making it ideal for renewables-powered infrastructure. Morocco is among a growing number of countries prioritising sovereign or hybrid cloud strategies to store and process data domestically. This trend stems from concerns over data privacy, legal control, and cybersecurity. Similar efforts include Rwanda's AI‑assisted cloud triage in healthcare and Singapore's G‑Cloud, both cited by the World Bank as successful models. Under its 'Digital Morocco 2030' roadmap, the kingdom intends not only to develop sovereign cloud infrastructure but also to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities and expand fibre optic networks across the country. The Dakhla centre is expected to contribute significantly to this vision by offering a large-scale, sustainable backbone for digital services. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the scale of the project, several key questions remain unanswered. Neither timeline nor financial details related to construction have been provided. Similarly, there is no official announcement yet regarding the participation of international or private partners in its design or operation. The absence of clarity on whether the facility will be powered by solar, wind, or a hybrid mix also leaves procedural and technical details unconfirmed. However, the government's prior success in rolling out renewable energy schemes and building the existing data centre suggests that it possesses the institutional capacity and expertise to deliver on these green infrastructure plans. Experts say that such a green-powered data centre, given its unprecedented capacity in the region, could set a benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure across Africa. It aligns with global technological, regulatory, and environmental trends, ranging from carbon footprint reduction to strategic digital sovereignty. The project also carries geopolitical significance. Situated in Western Sahara, Dakhla's development may influence strategic narratives concerning the region and Morocco's broader international positioning, though El Fallah Seghrouchni's remarks focused exclusively on digital ambitions. Domestic actors in cloud services, telecommunications, and green-tech sectors are expected to watch developments closely. The Dakhla centre could foster private‑sector engagement and public‑private partnerships. It might also accelerate demand for skilled professionals in areas such as data centre management, cloud architecture, renewable energy engineering, and AI systems administration. As implementation unfolds, industry analysts will look for details on construction firms, technology vendors, projected employment figures, and grid integration strategies. The modular design of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic facility could serve as a template. Its operational data in energy efficiency, utilisation rates, and uptime might offer valuable insights for scaling up. Dakhla's data centre could prove pivotal in enhancing regional digital resilience. Morocco's strategic location connecting Europe and sub‑Saharan Africa makes it both an ideal point for cross‑continental data transit and a node in broader geopolitical efforts to diversify digital infrastructure. The kingdom's continued investment in renewable energy and digital infrastructure positions it at the forefront of sustainable technological advancement on the continent. The forthcoming data centre in Dakhla is poised to be a landmark project in Morocco's efforts to promote green digital sovereignty.
Morocco World
18-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Oracle Opens R&D Center in Casablanca, Paves Way for Morocco's Digital Leap
Rabat – Morocco's ambitions in tech took a new step forward this week with the official opening of Oracle's new research and development center in Casablanca. Located in CasaNearshore Park, the high-tech facility will host over 1,000 Moroccan engineers, developers, and technicians by 2027. Speaking at the launch, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch called the center 'a cornerstone in Morocco's plan to place digital innovation at the heart of its national project.' 'Morocco is moving with purpose to boost its role as a regional tech hub,' Akhannouch said. 'This center reflects our commitment to invest in innovation, digital sovereignty, and talent.' The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, 'which aims to turn technology into a force for economic growth and social equity,' he added. The roadmap, introduced last September, sets out to modernize public services, reduce inequality, and support the emergence of a new generation of Moroccan tech professionals. 'This is where young Moroccans build their future' Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, shares the same vision. 'There's pride in seeing what's happening here,' she said. 'We're not just cutting a ribbon. We're meeting young Moroccans who are creating technologies that will travel far beyond our borders.' She shared figures that show the project's growth, saying that 300 Moroccan professionals are already working at the center. 'That number will triple in the next two years. And I'm not even counting interns. We have so many bright minds learning and contributing here every day,' added the minister. For Seghrouchni, this site represents more than a mere office building. 'It's a space where Moroccan talent can take root and expand. Oracle is offering real support to help young people sharpen their digital skills. That matters.' Pascal Sero, Oracle's Vice President of Research and Development, looked back on the journey that led to this moment. 'We started with four or five engineers in Morocco,' he said. 'Now we have 600. That didn't happen by accident.' He credited the country's education system and the drive of Moroccan professionals. 'The engineers we've hired here have the expertise and the creativity. We've seen real commitment, and that's what allowed us to grow.' For Sero, the center also answers a deeper question about talent mobility. 'I'm proud that we've brought back Moroccan engineers who left the country looking for opportunity. They now realize they can build world-class technology right here, at home. That's a win for them, for us, and for Morocco.' Oracle's partnership with Morocco stretches far beyond hiring. According to Akhannouch, the company will also support the training and certification of 20,000 Moroccan students through university partnerships, planting further seeds for the country's digital ecosystem.
Broadcast Pro
11-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Orange Maroc modernises its network with Ericsson
The agreement sets Orange Maroc's network ready for the introduction of 5G Standalone while paving the way for new business models. Orange Maroc has strengthened its network infrastructure by signing a strategic agreement with Ericsson to modernise and expand its core network. This landmark partnership reflects Orange Moroccos commitment to delivering high-performance connectivity, in the lead-up to the launch of 5G, fully aligned with the National Strategy Digital Morocco 2030 objectives. Through this collaboration, Orange Maroc will integrate cutting-edge technologies, including Ericssons dual-mode 5G Core and Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution, specifically designed to support cloud-native 5G applications. This modernisation will significantly boost Orange Maroc's network capacity and enhance the customer experience, while allowing the company to build a scalable network architecture in anticipation of the 5G introduction. Through this strategic partnership, Orange Maroc will introduce the Ericsson Cloud Core Policy Controller, ensuring high scalability, better network resilience along with new business models. The telecommunications operator will also extend its network with additional IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Ericsson Packet Core sites to strengthen Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services and deliver reliable 4G and 5G services, such as the enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), video games, and industrial connectivity services. The modernisation also includes improvements to the automation and orchestration of the native cloud-based infrastructure, through strategic software upgrades to Ericsson Network Manager, Orchestrator, and Network IQ Statistics, tools already leveraged by Orange Maroc to monitor its network operations. Commenting on the deal, Hendrik Kasteel, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Maroc, said: 'Orange Maroc places innovation and customer satisfaction at the heart of its strategy. This partnership with Ericsson strengthens our commitment to delivering a more powerful and reliable network that meets the growing digital needs of Moroccans. By modernising our infrastructure, we are accelerating our ability to deploy 5G and support Morocco's digital transformation, fully aligned with the vision of the national strategy 'Digital Morocco 2030'.' Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco and Vice President of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, added: 'At Ericsson, the success of our customers is at the core of our mission. We are proud to support Orange Maroc in this major transformation, aiming to address fast-changing connectivity needs and provide a robust, scalable and sustainable infrastructure. This project reflects our constant commitment to creating value for our partners while contributing to Moroccos digital development.' With more than 20 years of collaboration between Orange Maroc and Ericsson, this new project further strengthens Orange's position as a telecommunications operator committed to network excellence. By anticipating future connectivity needs and investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, Orange Maroc reaffirms its key role in supporting Morocco's economic and social growth through digital innovation.
Channel Post MEA
10-06-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Orange Maroc Selects Ericsson To Drive 5G Network
Orange Maroc has signed an agreement with Ericsson to modernize and expand its core network. This partnership reflects Orange Morocco's commitment to delivering high-performance connectivity, in the lead-up to the launch of 5G, fully aligned with the National Strategy 'Digital Morocco 2030' objectives. Through this collaboration, Orange Maroc will integrate cutting-edge technologies, including Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core and Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution, specifically designed to support cloud-native 5G applications. This modernization will significantly boost Orange Maroc's network capacity and enhance the customer experience, while allowing the company to build a scalable network architecture in anticipation of the 5G introduction. Modernization for greater connectivity Through this strategic partnership, Orange Maroc will introduce the Ericsson Cloud Core Policy Controller, ensuring high scalability, better network resilience along with new business models. The telecommunications operator will also extend its network with additional IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Ericsson Packet Core sites to strengthen Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services and deliver reliable 4G and 5G services, such as the enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), video games, and industrial connectivity services. The modernization also includes improvements to the automation and orchestration of the native cloud-based infrastructure, through strategic software upgrades to Ericsson Network Manager, Orchestrator, and Network IQ Statistics, tools already leveraged by Orange Maroc to monitor its network operations. Hendrik Kasteel, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Maroc, says, 'Orange Maroc places innovation and customer satisfaction at the heart of its strategy. This partnership with Ericsson strengthens our commitment to delivering a more powerful and reliable network that meets the growing digital needs of Moroccans. By modernizing our infrastructure, we are accelerating our ability to deploy 5G and support Morocco's digital transformation, fully aligned with the vision of the national strategy 'Digital Morocco 2030.' Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco and Vice President of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, says: 'At Ericsson, the success of our customers is at the core of our mission. We are proud to support Orange Maroc in this major transformation, aiming to address fast-changing connectivity needs and provide a robust, scalable and sustainable infrastructure. This project reflects our constant commitment to creating value for our partners while contributing to Morocco's digital development.' With more than 20 years of collaboration between Orange Maroc and Ericsson, this new project further strengthens Orange's position as a telecommunications operator committed to network excellence. By anticipating future connectivity needs and investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, Orange Maroc reaffirms its key role in supporting Morocco's economic and social growth through digital innovation.
