In a significant move to bolster its national artificial intelligence capabilities, Morocco has announced the formation of the JAZARI Industry X.0 Institute. The founding agreement was signed by Morocco’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Ministry of Economy and Finance, in partnership with four leading Moroccan universities. The signing ceremony, held at the Euromed University of Fez (UEMF), marks a major step forward in the country’s ambitious AI agenda.
Driving the AI Made in Morocco Strategy
The new institute is a cornerstone of the “AI Made in Morocco” strategy, a national initiative launched in January with bold targets for 2030. The strategy aims to contribute 100 billion dirhams ($10 billion) to the national GDP, create 50,000 new jobs in the AI sector, and train a skilled workforce of 200,000 graduates in artificial intelligence.
A Bridge Between Research and Industry
JAZARI Industry X.0 is specifically designed to close the gap between academic research and real-world industrial application. Its primary mission is to accelerate technology transfer, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that unites universities, startups, established industrial players, and investors. The institute will focus on developing integrated value chains, from fundamental research to the large-scale deployment of AI solutions.
The academic partners in this venture include the Euromed University of Fez (UEMF), Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Moulay Ismail University, and Al Akhawayn University, with plans to onboard key industry partners in the near future.
Part of a National Network
This initiative is not a standalone effort but part of the broader Jazari Institutes network, which was announced in July 2025. This national network aims to establish AI centers of excellence across all 12 of Morocco’s regions, each specializing in areas that align with regional economic priorities and academic strengths. The network’s central coordinating hub, Jazari Root Racine, is located in Rabat.
Each institute within the network is mandated to focus on four key functions: skills development and training, applied research and co-innovation, establishing shared digital platforms and data infrastructure, and providing incubation and acceleration for AI-driven solutions.
Tackling a National Talent Gap
The establishment of the JAZARI network is a direct response to a critical economic challenge. Morocco’s ICT market is projected to grow from $6.95 billion in 2025 to over $10 billion by 2030. However, the country faces a severe shortage of skilled ICT professionals, currently graduating only 18,000 annually against an estimated demand of 40,000. This gap is further widened by a brain drain to Gulf countries offering higher salaries. By building sovereign AI talent at scale, the JAZARI network is crucial for Morocco’s economic development and its ambition to become a regional AI leader.
About JAZARI Industry X.0 Institute
The JAZARI Industry X.0 Institute is a Moroccan research and innovation center established through a collaboration between government ministries and four national universities. It is a key component of the “AI Made in Morocco” strategy, focused on integrating artificial intelligence into industry and accelerating the transfer of technology from academic research to industrial applications.
Source: Middle East AI News
