Morocco launched the “Moroccan Digital Hub for Sustainable Development” in New York today, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation in Africa and the Arab region.
The hub was announced by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. The event was attended by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fahla, and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the United Nations Omar Hilale, along with UN officials, private sector partners, and civil society representatives.
In his speech at the event, Akhannouch emphasized that artificial intelligence has become a crucial global challenge, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to engage in this path and utilize technology for comprehensive and sustainable human development. El Fahla highlighted that the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s desire to make technology a tool for equity, innovation, and the expansion of opportunities, both within Morocco and across Africa and the Arab region.
The new hub focuses on developing artificial intelligence applications in health, education, addressing climate change, and governance, paying special attention to empowering women and youth as key players in driving digital transformation. It seeks to overcome challenges faced by Arab and African countries, including skill shortages, high costs, and fragmented digital policies.
In a related context, Acting Director of the United Nations Development Programme, Haoliang Xu, stated that this initiative is a cornerstone of the programme’s new strategic plan (2026-2029), affirming that the hub will provide a regional space for developing joint digital solutions that serve humanity and the planet.
Participants at the event discussed the establishment of an alliance for artificial intelligence and data sciences for the benefit of Arab and African countries, aimed at unifying standards, developing skills, and promoting the responsible use of technology. With this step, Morocco reinforces its leadership as a regional player in South-South digital cooperation, aligning with the United Nations roadmap and regional digital strategies.
