Morocco is on a mission to solidify its standing as a key player in the Middle East and North Africa's tech landscape. With an ambitious vision to excel in Datacom infrastructure and foster a thriving IT business environment, the country embarked on a transformative journey outlined in the Morocco Digital Program 2020. Spearheaded by Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment, and the Digital Economy, this comprehensive reform is geared towards building a competitive and efficient economic model.
To enhance Morocco's appeal as a hub for outsourcing services and a global digital player, the government lifted the ban on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The VoIP ban's reversal is a strategic move to mitigate economic losses, as reported by The Brookings Institution, which estimated a substantial $320 million USD loss for Morocco in the first half of 2016 due to the ban.
Despite progress, Morocco faces challenges such as disparities in access to computer technologies. The 2016 network readiness index positioned Morocco at 78th out of 139 countries, indicating room for improvement. Recognizing the importance of a digital economy, Saloua Karkri Belkziz, Chairwoman of APEBI, emphasizes the need for a robust program to position Morocco as a global player in ICT technologies.
The Moroccan Agency for Investment and Exportation Development (AMDIE) plays a pivotal role in implementing the Morocco Digital Program 2020. With an emphasis on diversification to enhance competitiveness, the program includes a $750 million USD investment to reduce the digital divide, offering free Wi-Fi in public spaces, and implementing digital literacy programs. The goal is to train over 39,007 ICT professionals by 2020.
Various initiatives, such as the "e-thiq@" label introduced by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), aim to strengthen e-consumer protection and enforce market legislations. Morocco's endeavors span a wide range of IT areas, from offshoring to electronic payments and software development, with an anticipated IT services market expansion to $550 million USD by 2018, as per the International Data Corporation's projections.
Morocco's commitment to digital transformation is evident in the concerted efforts to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The Morocco Digital Program 2020 lays the foundation for a future where the nation emerges as a prominent player in the global digital landscape, with a focus on innovation, accessibility, and economic growth.
