Morocco Pushes Digital Strategy, Establishes Tech Trades Complex
Morocco is making significant advancements in its technology sector with the recent announcement of a new Tech Trades Complex in Lahraouyine, part of the country's ambitious 'Digital Morocco 2030' agenda. This initiative aims to transform the economy and society by fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing the capabilities of local technology companies.
The Tech Trades Complex, located in the province of Médiouna, is designed to provide specialized training programs for young Moroccans in various tech professions. According to Morocco's News Agency (MAP), the complex will focus on essential areas such as:
- Software Development
- Programming Languages
- Application and Website Development
- Data Analysis
- Digital Marketing
- Cybersecurity
- Performance Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In addition to technical skills, the complex will offer training in digital project management, emphasizing effective planning and implementation in the digital landscape. It will also promote social entrepreneurship, which is a key performance indicator (KPI) of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy.
The overarching goal of Morocco's Digital 2030 strategy is to transform the country's economy and society by creating 240,000 jobs in the technology sector by 2030. This initiative is expected to contribute approximately $10.36 billion to Morocco's GDP, as reported by the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, a non-profit organization representing telecom operators and stakeholders in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The strategy also aims to launch 3,000 start-ups within the digital economy, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, distributed ledger technology, and cloud services. This ambitious plan reflects Morocco's commitment to becoming a regional leader in technology and innovation.
Hassan Bela, head of the support department for vulnerable individuals in Médiouna, emphasized the importance of the Tech Trades Complex in preparing young people for the job market. He stated, “The complex will help young people qualify for the job market as part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing labor market trends in Morocco.” This initiative is expected to equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The establishment of the Tech Trades Complex follows other significant developments in Morocco's technology sector, including Oracle's announcement of expanded investments in the country. Earlier this year, Oracle revealed plans to set up two Cloud Regions in Morocco, which will provide enterprise cloud services to organizations across Africa and the region. Additionally, Oracle plans to enhance its research and development capabilities in Morocco by hiring 1,000 information technology specialists.
Morocco's establishment of the Tech Trades Complex is a pivotal step in its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, aimed at fostering a skilled workforce and driving economic growth through technology. By investing in training and development, Morocco is positioning itself as a competitive player in the global digital economy, while also addressing the needs of its youth and adapting to the changing labor market. As the country continues to attract international investments and develop its tech infrastructure, it is poised for significant advancements in the coming years.