Morocco is taking a major step in digital education with the launch of YouCode Fès, a new coding and programming school in the Fès-Meknès region.
The initiative, officially announced on February 28, aligns with the country’s strategy to enhance digital skills and create new opportunities in the tech sector. Backed by a budget of 53 million dirhams ($14 million), the project is co-financed by the Delegate Ministry in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and the Regional Council.
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YouCode Fès: A hub for digital training and job creation
YouCode Fès aims to equip young Moroccans with cutting-edge digital skills, preparing them for the rapidly evolving job market. The school will offer a two-year training program focusing on information technology and digital fields. Each cohort will enroll 80 students between the ages of 18 and 35, providing them with hands-on experience in programming, software development, and business automation.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Delegate Minister in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, emphasised that this initiative is a crucial part of Morocco’s broader vision to strengthen digital competencies. By fostering digital education, the government aims to increase employment in the sector, positioning Morocco as a major hub for outsourcing and digital exports.
Despite the promising nature of this project, Moâd El Jamaï, the Governor of the Fès-Meknès region, noted that the current capacity is limited compared to the 230,000 students in the region. He called for expanding the initiative to accommodate more young people interested in digital careers, ensuring broader access to technology-driven opportunities.
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A step toward Africa’s digital transformation
This initiative is part of Morocco’s Digital Maroc 2030 strategy, which seeks to increase employment in the digital sector from 130,000 in 2022 to 270,000 by 2030. The country also aims to boost digital export revenues to 40 billion Algerian dinars ($296.13 million) by the end of the decade.
The importance of digital skills extends beyond Morocco. According to the World Bank, nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital expertise by 2030. While Morocco is not part of this region, this trend underscores the crucial role of digital education in Africa’s broader technological evolution.
Although the exact launch date of YouCode Fès has not yet been announced, the government has expressed interest in expanding similar initiatives to other regions. YouCode currently operates campuses in Safi, Youssoufia (Marrakech-Safi region), and Nador (Oriental region), reflecting Morocco’s growing investment in digital training nationwide.
With this initiative, Morocco continues to strengthen its position as a leader in digital transformation, offering young people the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the modern job market.