A landmark $1.2 billion AI data center project led by an international consortium is advancing in Morocco after securing a crucial land allocation on the outskirts of Casablanca. The project, headed by AI infrastructure specialist Nexus Core Systems, aims to establish a 500-megawatt facility, positioning the country as a significant hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure in the region.
Quick Facts
- Investment: Estimated $1.2 billion project cost.
- Capacity: Planned total capacity of 500 MW.
- Location: Nouaceur, Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco.
A Global Consortium Taps Morocco’s Strategic Edge
The project is backed by a powerful group of international tech and investment firms. Nexus Core Systems is leading the initiative, with South Korea’s Naver Cloud set to manage platform operations. The facility will be equipped with next-generation processors, including Blackwell GB200 GPUs, from American tech giant NVIDIA. Lloyds Capital is handling the investment side, while TAQA Morocco, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, will provide an exclusive supply of renewable energy.
Morocco’s selection is a strategic move, capitalizing on its geostrategic advantages. The country’s location just 15 km from Europe via the Strait of Gibraltar and its direct access to multiple undersea fiber optic cables offer high-speed, low-latency international connectivity essential for large-scale data operations.
Clearing the Path in Nouaceur
The project recently overcame a significant delay by securing its required land. The Casablanca-Settat Regional Council has officially allocated 666 hectares in Nouaceur province for major industrial projects, which includes the AI data center. This decision follows the earlier inauguration of a 476-hectare industrial acceleration zone in Ouled Saleh, also in Nouaceur, specifically for new technology ventures.
While the project has faced delays—initial reports suggested the first 40 MW phase would launch in the first quarter of 2026—this land allocation marks a critical step forward.
NVIDIA’s North African Ambitions
The involvement of NVIDIA signals the project’s high-stakes nature. A delegation from the American GPU leader visited Morocco in November, meeting with key players like Cires Technologies, Maroc Telecom, and the Caisse de dépôt et de gestion (CDG). The meetings also included officials from the Ministry of Digital Transition, which is spearheading the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, underscoring the project’s alignment with national digital transformation goals.
About Nexus Core Systems
Nexus Core Systems is a global company specializing in the development and management of large-scale AI infrastructure. The firm focuses on building data centers designed to support the intensive computational demands of artificial intelligence applications, partnering with leading technology and energy companies to deliver its projects.
Source: Yabiladi
