The sixth edition of the African Digital Summit, organized by the Moroccan Advertisers Group (GAM), took place in Casablanca, focusing on the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing Morocco’s digital landscape. The two-day event featured speeches from key figures, including Ghita Mezzour, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Innovation, and Scientific Research, and GAM President Youssef Cheikhi.
Minister Mezzour highlighted the significant opportunities AI presents, especially in delivering personalized content to diverse audiences. She noted that AI-powered personalization would not only enhance audience engagement but also accelerate content creation. Contrary to common misconceptions, Mezzour emphasized that “AI will not render content creators obsolete; rather, it can serve as a valuable tool for producing text, music, and videos, allowing ample space for creativity.”
Discussing her recently launched Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, Mezzour outlined the nation’s ambition to become a digital leader in Africa by investing in AI to improve public services, support startups, and attract international companies. “Talent is at the heart of this digital revolution,” she asserted, recognizing it as the driving force behind Morocco’s technological progress.
To support this national vision, Morocco aims to increase the annual number of digital graduates from 8,000 to 22,500 by 2027. Progress is already visible in the 2023-2024 academic year, with the accreditation of 144 new digital programs across the Kingdom’s 12 public universities. These programs encompass various fields, including artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity, with over 40 AI programs accredited nationwide.
Minister Miraoui remarked on the need to pay special attention to Generation Alpha, who have grown up with technology like the iPad. As this generation enters universities, there is a pressing need to rethink educational models. He added that every course module in Moroccan universities now includes a unit dedicated to digital skills.
Additionally, a new institute focused on artificial intelligence will be established in the city of Fes, Morocco, serving as a hub for professors and researchers in digital technology and AI.
The African Digital Summit aims to provide a platform for deep reflection on the continent’s digital future, where AI poses both opportunities and challenges in sectors such as energy and talent management. The event will also feature a dedicated space for startups to connect with Moroccan and international decision-makers, fostering innovation and bridging the gap between supply and demand. Throughout the summit, attendees can look forward to conferences and interactive sessions on topics including the impact of AI on digital marketing, emerging tech trends, and the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation.