Morocco has signed a landmark agreement with French tech firm Onepoint to establish a Centre of Excellence in Data and Artificial Intelligence in the Casablanca-Settat region.
The protocol was signed on Tuesday in Rabat by top Moroccan ministers and Onepoint’s leadership, marking a bold step in the country’s “Morocco Digital 2030” strategy to boost innovation, job creation, and digital sovereignty.
Public-private partnership to drive Morocco’s digital strategy
The agreement unites key players from the Moroccan government—Amal El Fellah Seghrouchni (Minister Delegate for Digital Transition), Ryad Mezzour (Minister of Industry and Commerce), Karim Zidane (Minister Delegate for Investment), and Ali Seddiki (Director General of AMDIE)—with David Layani, founder and president of Onepoint.
This public-private initiative aims to provide Morocco with high-end artificial intelligence and data processing infrastructure. It will catalyse the modernisation of public services, boost digital innovation, and strengthen the competitiveness of Moroccan industries.
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According to Minister Seghrouchni, the centre will “mobilise Moroccan talent around international-scale projects” while supporting the country’s ambitions for digital sovereignty. Minister Mezzour added that the partnership reflects the confidence global tech leaders place in Morocco’s human capital and industrial ecosystem.
Casablanca-Settat to become AI and data innovation hub
The centre will be based in Casablanca-Settat, a region already known for its growing digital ecosystem. Within four years, the project is expected to create over 500 highly skilled tech jobs, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, middleware, and data management.
Minister Zidane emphasised that the centre aligns with national goals of attracting investment, building human capital, and promoting innovation. It also supports the shift toward Industry 4.0 by offering technological solutions for small and medium-sized businesses and reinforcing cybersecurity in the industrial sector.
Onepoint president David Layani confirmed that the centre would focus on developing middleware solutions to help businesses scale securely. “We’re building something that will directly benefit citizens while expanding Morocco’s tech footprint across Africa,” he said.
Toward sovereign and sustainable digital Future
The new centre is more than just a tech hub—it represents a long-term commitment to making Morocco a continental reference in AI and data technologies. It will contribute to the country’s sustainable development by empowering local engineers, supporting R&D, and delivering AI solutions developed and operated on Moroccan soil.
Onepoint, which employs over 4,000 people globally, is ramping up its presence in Morocco. With a turnover of €500 million in 2024 and a target of €1 billion by 2028, the company sees Morocco as a strategic partner in tackling global AI challenges.
The initiative reinforces Morocco’s role as a digital leader in Africa, one ready to innovate, invest, and grow with its people at the centre.