Casablanca hosted this Wednesday, December 18, the first edition of the Services Conference, organized by the CGEM Federation of Commerce and Services. This event highlighted the strategic importance of the services sector in Morocco’s economic development, with a particular emphasis on digitalization. Redouane El Haloui, president of the Moroccan Federation of Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Offshoring, underlined the need to modernize and professionalize this sector to support the digital transformation of the country and meet the challenges linked to artificial intelligence and new technologies.
The objective of the Services Conference is to position this sector, often considered secondary, at the heart of the country’s growth and innovation policies. Indeed, services, in an increasingly globalized and digitalized world, play a strategic role for emerging economies like that of Morocco. This event thus made it possible to highlight the challenges and opportunities linked to this crucial sector for the competitiveness of the country.
In an interview given to Morocco DiplomaticRedouane El Haloui, president of the Federation of Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Offshoring (APEBI), returned to the major developments in the services sector in Morocco and underlined the need to continue to modernize and professionalize this field. “For more than 35 years, APEBI has initiated numerous technological and economic projects for Morocco. Among the major achievements, we can cite the creation of the Technopark in 2001, the rise of offshoring which has enabled the creation of 130,000 jobs, or even innovation in telecommunications such as the motionless gesture or satellite attachment. via VSTAT technology “, he clarified.
Redouane El Haloui’s intervention particularly focused on the importance of the digital transformation of the services sector. According to him, by 2027, around 50% of a company’s employees will be service providers rather than permanent employees. “This is a major development. Today, it is essential to support the professionalization of the service sector and accompany it in this transition “, he added. For him, Morocco must be ready to respond to the rise in power of external services, particularly with new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), which is redefining many professions.
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One of the essential points of his speech was the need for increased international cooperation for the development of Moroccan businesses, particularly in the technological and digital fields. Redouane El Haloui spoke about his participation in a recent summit in Moscow, where he signed partnerships with several African countries to create an African AI federation. “ It is crucial that Morocco is well referenced in international AI systems. If we are to seize global economic opportunities, our identity and skills must be visible on a global scale “, he stressed.
Highlighting the importance of data and AI is part of a global strategic vision, which seeks to strengthen Morocco’s position in international competition. Indeed, for Redouane El Haloui, access to information and data management are essential elements for Morocco’s competitiveness. “ It is not simply a question of being present on the world stage, but of ensuring that our identity and our know-how are correctly perceived by international actors, whether they are entrepreneurs, investors or of technological partners “, he clarified.
Digitalization and AI, drivers of the competitiveness of Moroccan SMEs
The influence of AI in the evolution of professions in the service sector was also discussed. According to El Haloui, artificial intelligence represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Morocco. “ AI is shaking up traditional professions. It is crucial that we train our service providers to adapt to these changes. Currently, only large companies and certain SMEs really support their employees in this evolution. “, he lamented. He insisted on the importance of global support, through adapted training, to enable Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to digitalize and remain competitive in this new technological environment.
Redouane El Haloui also highlighted Morocco’s recent initiatives in the field of digitalization, such as the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy. He expressed optimism about this strategy, but also stressed the need to go beyond short-term projects. “ Morocco must seize the opportunities that present themselves, particularly with the organization of the 2030 World Cup. This will be a key moment to showcase Moroccan companies and their technological know-how.” And to add: “But it’s important to think long term. 2030 must not simply be a goal to achieve, but a showcase to attract investors and international partners “, he said.
He also discussed the challenges facing the services sector, in particular the administrative burdens which hamper business agility. “ We must speed up administrative procedures, particularly in the area of exports. It is unacceptable that a simple document to release a grant takes six months to be processed “, he added, criticizing the slowness of public procedures which, according to him, risk harming the competitiveness of local companies.
Redouane El Haloui also called for more agile governance and better coordination between public and private actors to succeed in the country’s digital transformation. “ Governance is key. A solid organization is needed so that information circulates correctly and Moroccan businesses can access the resources necessary to develop. “, he explained.
The Services Conference thus made it possible to open the debate on how Morocco can take advantage of new technologies to boost its services sector. The event highlighted the importance of digitalization, training and international cooperation to ensure a prosperous future for this sector, which is now seen as a fundamental pillar of the national economy.
