Morocco is steadily moving towards ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence to serve development.
The Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, stated on Tuesday that the holding of the first national seminar on artificial intelligence embodies the collective will of the Kingdom to integrate AI into public policies, in line with Morocco’s ambition to establish an effective and ethical national strategy that serves inclusive and sustainable human development.
In his opening speech, broadcast via video conferencing, he pointed out that the world is witnessing a major technological revolution that is reshaping economies and lifestyles, emphasizing that artificial intelligence represents a promising opportunity, but it also poses challenges related to digital sovereignty, social justice, data security, and ethical issues.
He confirmed Morocco’s commitment to embracing digital modernity through the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, which has been allocated a budget of 11 billion dirhams, aiming to create 240,000 job opportunities and train 100,000 young men and women in the digital field. He also noted that the national digital ecosystem has reached an advanced stage, making artificial intelligence a strategic lever for radical economic and social transformation.
Akhannouch highlighted the practical contributions of artificial intelligence in several vital sectors, such as health by enhancing early disease diagnosis; agriculture by improving water resource management; and education by reducing school dropouts through innovative pedagogical mechanisms.
Conversely, he warned that ignoring artificial intelligence means missing significant economic opportunities, while its adoption necessitates restructuring the job market, with concerns over the disappearance of certain professions in favor of smart solutions. He called for cautious engagement with harmful uses, especially in misinformation, due to their negative impact on values and society.
He asserted that addressing these challenges requires collective efforts in training, research, and legislation, emphasizing the need to invest in human resources and build trust through laws that protect data and prevent unethical uses. He called for participatory governance among the state, private sector, universities, and civil society.
He considered this seminar, organized under the auspices of the royal highness, a pivotal moment towards reinforcing Morocco’s technological sovereignty, urging the mobilization of all energies to build responsible artificial intelligence that serves sustainable development and keeps pace with global transformations.
It is worth noting that the seminar is organized by the Ministry of Digital Transition under the slogan “Effective and Ethical Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Service of Our Society,” aiming to outline a comprehensive national strategy in this field. Its program includes technical sessions, presentations by start-ups, and a special focus on political dimensions and international cooperation on the second day.
