Morocco is set to launch a series of regional artificial intelligence hackathons aimed at mobilizing young talent and developing innovative solutions for local challenges. The initiative was announced by Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Minister for Digital Transition and Administration Reform, and is part of a comprehensive national strategy to harness AI for inclusive development while simultaneously reinforcing digital security.
Fostering Local AI Talent
The upcoming hackathons will serve as a platform for young Moroccans to create prototype solutions tailored to regional priorities. This grassroots approach aligns with the government’s goal of embedding AI development within the local ecosystem.
In addition to the hackathons, the ministry is actively promoting digital literacy through national training programs targeting children and youth, with initiatives extending to football academies and youth centers to broaden reach and engagement.
Strengthening the Regulatory Framework
To support its growing digital economy, Morocco is tightening its legal framework to combat cybercrime, including online fraud, extortion, and defamation. Minister Seghrouchni confirmed that her department is working to establish a dedicated directorate specifically for AI and emerging technologies.
Furthermore, a draft digital administration law is underway, which includes crucial provisions on data protection and AI governance, signaling a proactive approach to managing the risks and opportunities of new technologies.
A Regional Hub for AI and Data Science
These efforts are part of a larger push to position Morocco as a key player in the regional tech landscape. The country is working to operationalize a regional Arab-African digital hub for AI and data science, which was launched in 2025 with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The strategic reforms are yielding results, with Morocco improving its global AI government readiness score by 14 points in 2025. This places the Kingdom 87th worldwide and eighth in the Middle East and North Africa region.
About Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform
The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform is the Moroccan government body responsible for developing and implementing the national strategy for digital transformation. Its mandate includes promoting digital inclusion, modernizing public administration, and creating a favorable regulatory environment for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Source: HESPRESS English
