Artificial Intelligence in Morocco: Towards Holistic, Responsible and Ethical National AI Strategy for Moroccan Competitiveness and Strategic Intelligence

This paper analyses current achievements and emerging landscape of artificial intelligence in Morocco. It explores also the various challenges and opportunities related to the development of an AI ecosystem that facilitates the emergence of an agile, holistic, responsible, ethical, and forward-looking national artificial intelligence strategy that supports Morocco's global competitiveness and its strategic intelligence. Based on a methodological triangulation approach, we combined a documentary approach focused on a literature reviews and international benchmarks of national AI policies and strategies. In addition, we have proposed a conceptual model that outlines the essential elements and key enablers and drivers of the national AI strategy for Morocco. We have called it “LAFBAH AI Framework” focusing on Leadership & Vision, Adaptive Governance, Forward-thinking, Breakthrough Innovations, Agility in Implementation, and Human centred approach. This model is predictive and prescriptive, and most importantly, aligned with the Moroccan priorities and strategic orientations of Morocco’s New Development Model. The study's findings show that Morocco possesses strategic assets that can help it establish itself as an AI hub for Africa and bolster its leadership and digital influence. These assets mainly include the country's international commitment to AI, its participation in AI cooperation programs, a dynamic creation of institutions and university centres dedicated to AI and the start of a virtuous public and political dialogue on the subject involving the private sector, academia and civil society.Our research argues in favour of a holistic and integrated approach to AI in Morocco, which combines AI Governance with technological innovation, ethical and societal considerations to promote sustainable and inclusive development and enhance Moroccan competitiveness. It also demonstrates the urgent need to design and ensure the implementation of an innovative, adapted and integrated national AI strategy for Morocco. This national AI strategy should be designed as an integrative, agile, dynamic framework with a clear and integrated vision, ambitious strategic objectives, relevant priorities and choices and key pillars of AI such as responsible, ethical and innovative governance and strong ecosystem enablers, collaborative research and development, AI talent and skills, sufficient data and infrastructure.We have also designed the fundamental and necessary milestones for a new ecosystem of artificial intelligence in Morocco focused on the imperatives of the knowledge society, the digital, health, food and energy sovereignties of the country, while aspiring to be a hub of artificial intelligence in Africa.