Artificial intelligence (AI) in Morocco: What areas and what prospects?

This opinion follows through on a recommendation by the CESE in a previous own-initiative opinion (2021) titled “Towards a responsible and inclusive digital transformation” wherein it was emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) should be elevated as a priority in Morocco’s push for digital transformation. The present opinion therefore highlights the multiple factors influencing the establishment and implementation of the AI management system in the country. It also explores what areas in our lives and businesses the AI is integrated into and the prospects of AI development in Morocco. This opinion was unanimously adopted by the 159th regular General Assembly session of 27 June 2024.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is central to the dynamics of digital transformation, both in its specific applications across all productive sectors and in the various layers of impact it has on the economy and society. Advancements in artificial intelligence technology, particularly with the advent of generative AI, have positioned AI not only as a catalyst for economic growth, but also as a major lever to improve essential services like health care and education, making them more accessible to everyone, efficient and personalized. This is all the more so as substantiated studies estimate that the take-up of AI may increase global GDP by up to 14% by 2030. There is also documented evidence of the potential of AI acting as an enabler on 79% of the SDGs by 2030.

However, the introduction of AI presents countless major challenges. Viewing it from an ethical lens, AI can pose considerable privacy risks inherent to the massive treatment of collected personal data. Further, AI-based algorithms might sometimes repeatedly produce biased outputs, thus leading to unfair and discriminatory outcomes in decision-making processes. On a social level, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) impacts employment patterns, with concerns about job transformations and losses.

Indeed, Morocco is well placed to better position itself regarding AI, with its arsenal of laws and regulations governing key aspects of digital technology, such as relates to cybersecurity and consumer cyber protection. Morocco’s commitment to provide thrust and impetus to artificial intelligence in the country is manifest in creative initiatives such as the establishment at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) of the International Center for Artificial

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