Cybersecurity and AI on the rise in Morocco

In a recent parliamentary oral session, El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, stated that the country is intensifying its endeavours to fortify its digital systems and safeguard public platforms against cyber threats. The strategy currently implemented by the Ministry of Cybersecurity includes risk management policies, periodic system audits, firewalls, and the correction of any weaknesses in digital platforms. In addition, a programme is to be implemented for the training of digital security officials, with the national guidelines to serve as the basis for the training programme. In the event of a cyber attack, Seghrouchni ensured that coordination with the relevant authorities would be activated for a rapid and effective response to cyber threats. Furthermore, Morocco’s 101st place out of 180 in terms of AI readiness, as indicated by the Oxford Insights 2024 report, does not accurately reflect the nation’s digital potential, as evidenced by its advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), Minister Seghrouchni observed. Morocco has been identified as one of the countries that have adopted the UNESCO ethical guidelines for AI. The minister offered favourable commentary on the recent GITEX Africa technology fair in Marrakech, which attracted over 52,000 visitors and featured 1,450 exhibitors, including 200 Moroccan start-ups.