Ahmed Rahhou Takes the Helm of AI and Digital Economy in Morocco
In a significant move towards enhancing its digital landscape, Morocco has outlined ambitious goals for its digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) sector, aiming for substantial advancements by the year 2030. Ahmed Rahhou, a seasoned former banker, has been appointed as the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and Administrative Reform. His appointment, which took place on October 16, 2026, during the formation of the new government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, signifies a strategic focus on integrating AI into national policies. This newly created position reflects Morocco's commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring that digital technologies play a pivotal role in the country's economic development.
Rahhou brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the president of the Competition Council since March 2021. His educational background includes degrees from Paris' prestigious École Polytechnique and the École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications. Rahhou's career has spanned various sectors, including a significant tenure in the banking industry where he led institutions such as CIH Bank and Lesieur Cristal. He has also represented Morocco as an ambassador to the European Union, further enriching his expertise in international relations and economic policy.
Strategic Initiatives for Digital Economy Development
As Rahhou steps into his new position, he will oversee the implementation of "Digital Morocco 2030," a strategic initiative launched in September 2024 that aims to accelerate the digitization of public services and bolster the digital economy. This initiative is projected to create approximately 240,000 direct jobs and contribute an estimated 100 billion dirhams (around 10 billion USD) to the national GDP by 2030. The program emphasizes the importance of start-ups and outsourcing services, indicating a robust framework for growth within the digital sector.
Additionally, Morocco has unveiled its "Morocco AI 2030" roadmap, which aspires to generate an additional 100 billion dirhams in GDP value, create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, and train or certify 200,000 individuals in AI-related skills by the end of the decade. This comprehensive plan is designed to develop local computing infrastructures and AI capabilities tailored to meet the unique needs of the Moroccan economy.
As reported by agenceecofin.com.
