AU: Morocco Reiterates Determination to Promote Inclusive, Open and Secure Digital Future in Africa

Morocco reiterated before the extraordinary session of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information Communications Technology (STC-CICT), held on June 11-13, its determination to reduce the digital divide and promote an inclusive, open and secure digital future for all in Africa. The Moroccan delegation, which took part in the session held by videoconference and devoted to reviewing and adopting the draft African Digital Pact and the draft Continental Strategy on AI, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to building a prosperous digital future for every African, and to making the Continent a key player in the global economy. The two projects selected for this session represent the proactive commitment and significant contributions of the African continent to the Global Digital Compact and the Summit for the Future planned by the United Nations in September 2024, the Moroccan delegation noted, highlighting the efforts made to design these ambitious projects which aim to “unify our digital transformation efforts in Africa, while taking into account the challenges and specificities specific to our continent.” “We must welcome this collective approach which seeks to promote an inclusive and equitable digital society, capable of meeting the needs of all our citizens,” the delegation stressed. The delegation reaffirmed that Morocco is currently finalizing its National Digital Strategy 2030, which aims not only to contribute to the Kingdom’s socio-economic development, but also to establish the catalysts necessary for a successful digital transformation, both for Morocco and for the region. The strategy aims to digitalize public services and boost the country’s digital economy, with a particular focus on digital inclusion, infrastructure and skills building, and the development of a dynamic startup ecosystem, the Moroccan delegation highlighted. Similarly, Morocco has put in place several initiatives to encourage innovation and digital entrepreneurship, in particular to support young talent, the Moroccan delegation added, noting that it is crucial to offer them the training and the right framework to undertake, as they are the key players in our digital future. The delegation also pointed out that Morocco has distinguished itself by being among the first countries to adopt the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and to work towards its implementation. The Kingdom has considerable assets to accelerate its digital transformation and foster the responsible development of artificial intelligence. Recent initiatives include GITEX Africa Morocco, an excellent networking, collaboration and cooperation opportunity for key players in Africa’s digital sector. The event not only showcased innovative “Made in Morocco” and “Made in Africa” solutions, but also attracted the attention of international investors, noted the Moroccan delegation. “GITEX’s key figures testify to our progress and our potential to play a central role in the global digital economy. This year’s 45,000 visitors from more than 130 countries around the world is proof of this. Similarly, while we welcomed 900 exhibitors and 400 startups at the first edition, we are delighted to have surpassed those figures with over 1,400 exhibitors and 700 startups taking part this year. These figures clearly illustrate the growing enthusiasm for the African technology sector and GITEX Africa’s position as a catalyst for innovation”, added the Moroccan delegation.