Morocco Digital Strategy 2030: MAD 240 million to stimulate innovation and support Moroccan startups

Wednesday 09th October 2024 03:57 AM

Ghita Mezzour at the opening of the African Digital Summit. Credit: DR

A budget of 240 million dirhams (MDH) has been released, as part of the Maroc Digital 2030 strategy, to boost innovation and support startups in Morocco, the minister announced on Tuesday in Casablanca. delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the digital transition and administrative reform, Ghita Mezzour.

“We have allocated a budget of 240 million dirhams to stimulate national demand for innovative services, by favoring purchases from local startups and opening the doors to outsourcing to them, so that they can export their solutions beyond our borders. borders”, said Mezzour during the opening of the 6th edition of the African Digital Summit, initiated by the Groupement des Annonceurs du Maroc (GAM).

Through the national digital strategy for 2030, the objective is to support Moroccan startups throughout their journey, by guaranteeing them lasting financing, targeted support, and reinforced incubation infrastructures, he said. she noted. The minister, in this wake, called for trust in local startups, considered essential drivers of innovation, growth and digital transformation in Morocco.

For his part, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Innovation, Abdelatif Miraoui, highlighted the crucial importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills for future generations.

Thus, he highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening training, research and infrastructure in this area to face global challenges and opportunities, calling for this technological revolution to be seized as an opportunity for Africa to promote its youth and to actively participate in global transformations.

“We are experiencing a period of major transformation which is redrawing the contours of our society and opening new perspectives for humanity. Digital and AI, in particular, offer our youth and our African continent extraordinary opportunities to innovate and develop,” raised the minister. For his part, the president of the GAM, Youssef Cheikhi, highlighted the richness of the program for this edition, structured around eight major thematic axes.

Key topics include digital marketing, branding, retail media, gaming, as well as sports marketing, Cheikhi said, noting that these themes will be explored through keynotes, interactive panels, Fireside Chats and masterclasses led by the greatest experts in the sector.

“This year, we have the honor of welcoming industry giants such as Amazon Web Services, Google, TikTok, Microsoft, and many others, who will share their visions and expertise,” he added. The opening ceremony was marked by the signing of several important agreements, namely a tripartite partnership agreement between the GAM, the association of users of information systems in Morocco and the national association of resource managers and trainers human rights, a memorandum of understanding between the GAM and the Advertising business group, a protocol of cooperation between the GAM and the union of brands as well as a partnership agreement between the GAM and Jadara Foundation. This year, artificial intelligence is at the heart of discussions that will highlight how AI is transforming marketing and communications. Experts will share their perspectives on optimizing consumer interactions and improving advertising campaigns, while highlighting the importance of a more inclusive and efficient society.

Created in 2014 by GAM, the African Digital Summit is the essential event for digital, marketing and communication professionals in Africa.

Spread over two days, the 2024 edition plans to welcome more than 2,800 participants from 47 countries and focuses on the latest innovations and trends in the sector.