Morocco and US Deepen Ties with Ambitious AI and Digital Initiatives

Morocco’s digital ambitions took a big step forward recently, with the Minister of Digital Transition, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, holding substantive meetings with senior US officials at the State Department. The discussions aimed to boost digital cooperation and explore ways to further harness the potential of artificial intelligence within a broader collaboration between Rabat and Washington.

Morocco’s ambassador to the US, Youssef Amrani, highlighted that the conversations were productive, revolving around ways both countries could push forward innovation and prosperity through digital technology and AI. Amal El Fallah joined Ambassador Steve Lang, Chief of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, in reaffirming just how robust the partnership between Morocco and the US remains.

El Fallah’s visit included a detailed dialogue with Leila Elmergawi, the Director for Strategy and Global AI Policy at the State Department. They discussed Morocco’s particularly ambitious AI Roadmap and the "Digital Morocco 2030" plan—an initiative designed to propel the nation firmly into the global digital race over the next few years.

This meeting isn’t without its context. Over the past year, Morocco and the US have joined hands on significant international AI initiatives. In March 2024, they collaborated on bringing forward the United Nations’ first-ever resolution dedicated specifically to AI. Named “Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development,” this groundbreaking text gained the backing of 123 member states before eventually being adopted.

Moreover, the two nations didn't stop there. Just a few months later, in June 2024, Morocco and the US launched the "Group of Friends on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development" at UN headquarters. This initiative, spearheaded by Moroccan Ambassador to the UN Omar Hilale and US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, seeks to establish a platform where countries around the world can cooperate on AI and ensure support reaches developing nations.

The strides Morocco has made in AI haven't gone unnoticed. Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken specifically commended Morocco's contributions during a recent UN Security Council session devoted to artificial intelligence concerns. At home, Morocco’s Parliament hasn't stayed still either—a group of opposition lawmakers proposed a bill aimed at regulating AI use and establishing a national agency to ensure technology develops responsibly and ethically in Moroccan society.

Interestingly, Moroccan enthusiasm for AI tools such as ChatGPT is among the highest globally. A recent survey showed an impressive 80% rate of awareness amongst Moroccan consumers about ChatGPT, with 38% actively using it. These figures put Morocco firmly ahead of other African nations and second globally only to India—demonstrating just how keyed in ordinary Moroccons are with cutting-edge tech.

Such energetic digital strides may seem distant when you’re enjoying your favourite tagine or sipping a glass of mint tea on a breezy Casablanca afternoon, but it's clear Morocco is keen to build a digital future just as vibrant as its cultural heritage. Arageek readers who follow these developments closely will recognise this marks another significant chapter in Morocco's story of technological growth and international cooperation.