Morocco's Emergence as a Continental Tech Leader
At the GITEX Africa event held in Marrakech, Rachid Ressani, the administrator and treasurer of APEBI as well as the CEO of IT Road Group, presented a strategic assessment of Morocco's national digital ecosystem during the 12/13 broadcast. Ressani asserts that the Kingdom has advanced beyond being a mere builder to establish itself as a global reference point in technology. He emphasizes, “Morocco is no longer regarded as a developing player; it has emerged as a benchmark in the African technology landscape.” He further elaborates that, when comparing African ecosystems, Morocco remains the most mature today. This perspective is underpinned by Ressani's own entrepreneurial experiences across various markets, where he notes a consistent and stable vision and execution in Morocco's tech dynamics.
Fostering Tech SMEs to Cultivate National Champions
In discussing the concept of “Tech SMEs,” promoted by APEBI, Ressani highlights an ongoing project for structuring this initiative in collaboration with relevant authorities and institutions. The goal is to create a Moroccan Tech SME label that will support the trajectory of Moroccan tech companies from startup phases to more advanced stages. He explains, “The aim of this Tech SME status is to transform a Moroccan startup into a national champion within a few years, equipped with a mature offering capable of reaching international markets.” Ressani points out that the technological openness of recent years has significantly accelerated this process. He states, “The technology is open, and innovations are accessible,” indicating that the growth cycle of Moroccan firms today is considerably faster than it was five to ten years ago. He observes exponential growth among the federation's members, regardless of their size, in terms of technical capabilities and service offerings while noting that nearly all member companies are now positioned to develop international export offers.
Ressani also expressed satisfaction with the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, believing it aligns well with the sector's expectations by covering multiple dimensions and technologies essential for growth. He acknowledges the need for a swift execution pace due to the current economic and global context. Responding to concerns about potential discrepancies between public policies and real-world applications, he reframes the issue as one of fine-tuning rather than misalignment, suggesting ongoing adjustments are necessary due to evolving constraints and events. He emphasizes the importance of sovereignty in the Moroccan IT sector, recognizing the complexity of achieving this goal in a landscape characterized by diverse technology players.
When addressing the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the offshoring sector, Ressani adopts a balanced stance, recognizing AI's dual potential as both a threat and an opportunity. He stresses the importance of adapting the sector to leverage opportunities while integrating AI, mentioning the Jazari program, which focuses on intensive AI training aimed at fostering an AI mindset across professional and academic ecosystems. He believes preserving human capital and facilitating the transformation of roles within the sector are vital to repositioning for new opportunities, asserting that despite automation, global demand for skilled labor will remain high. “We will always face a shortage of resources to meet the global demand, especially with increasing requirements for speed and qualifications,” he notes.
Harnessing Moroccan Talent for Technological Advancement
Regarding Morocco's capacity to emerge as a technology producer, Ressani asserts that the nation is already a significant player in the field, with Moroccan talents actively contributing to the deployment of solutions and expertise both locally and internationally. He views the mobility of these professionals positively, as many have been trained in Morocco, worked for local companies, and then gained international experience. He believes this mobility can be a valuable asset, provided Morocco can benefit from their expertise upon their return. Ressani has observed a trend of Moroccan talents returning home, with many expressing a strong desire to reintegrate into the local ecosystem. He mentions receiving numerous calls monthly from individuals seeking assistance with this transition, framing it as a massive return that should be viewed as an opportunity for creating new prospects rather than a cause for concern.
As reported by medias24.com.
