Enhancing Morocco-Europe Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence
The 2026 edition of Gitex Africa in Marrakech has not only underscored Morocco's escalating digital prowess but has also solidified a strategic alliance between the Kingdom of Morocco and Europe regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Initiated on April 8, the Morocco-EU Digital Dialogue marks a significant milestone in the longstanding collaboration between the EU and Morocco. The presence and remarks from Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, highlight the political significance of the agreement signed in Marrakech, positioning AI as a foundational element of the Morocco-Europe relationship.
Key announcements made during Gitex, including partnerships between European AI factories and Morocco's innovation ecosystem, as well as collaborations between four major European supercomputing centers and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, breathe life into this shared ambition. This framework agreement signifies not just a convergence of interests but also aligns methodologies and visions between the two regions.
In response to the dominance of tech giants, Morocco has opted for a third path, focusing on trustworthy and socially beneficial AI that serves the Kingdom's development, grounded in local contexts and structured to cultivate a comprehensive talent pool in AI. This approach necessitates finding the right partners who share common values regarding AI governance, inclusivity, and accountability.
This positioning resonates well with Brussels, as Morocco aligns with European regulatory priorities while being structured around key players like UM6P, presenting itself as a credible, stable, and comprehensible partner. Conversely, the EU attracts Morocco’s interest, with Morocco's Minister of Digital Transition emphasizing the importance of sharing best practices regarding AI governance and data management.
Moreover, a partnership established in September 2025 between Morocco's Ministry of Digital Transition and Mistral AI has already provided tangible substance to this cooperation, focusing on training, applied research, knowledge sharing, support for startups, and promoting ethical and inclusive AI.
The Role of France in Morocco's AI Strategy
France holds a unique position in this architecture—not only as Morocco's political ally within the EU but also as a primary partner in digital and new technology sectors. This includes academic cooperation, research partnerships, industrial projects, and talent mobility between the two nations. The exceptional Morocco-France partnership in AI is expected to invigorate strategic sectors of bilateral cooperation.
The attendance of France's Minister for AI and Digital at Gitex Africa was particularly significant, showcasing the vibrancy of the French tech ecosystem in Morocco and the density of Franco-Moroccan partnerships in digital innovation and AI. The minister highlighted key initiatives, such as a joint AI research and development center and a center of excellence dedicated to data and AI.
Furthermore, Amal El Fallah-Seghrouchni stands out as a prominent figure embodying the digital interface between Morocco and Europe. Educated in French universities and a professor at Sorbonne University, she has gained significant recognition in both academic circles and international discussions on AI ethics. At the core of Morocco’s strategy, from the AI Movement Dome at UM6P to government initiatives like the "Morocco Digital 2030" plan, she has been instrumental in driving initiatives such as National AI Conferences, the "AI Made in Morocco" initiative, and the Digital X.0 framework law aimed at regulating digital use while integrating ethical requirements related to AI.
El Fallah-Seghrouchni’s unique profile facilitates dialogue across scientific, political, and cultural languages between Morocco and Europe. She represents the embodiment of Morocco's AI vision and its third path, aligning with her background and character to position the Kingdom's AI strategy within a framework of assumed sovereignty, open to Africa and the Euro-Mediterranean space. In this regard, she emerges as a key connector between Rabat, Paris, and Brussels.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
