Hanaa Belkheir explains the stakes of a proposed law to create a national AI agency in Morocco
via Le Matin5 min read
Hanaa Belkheir has proposed a law to establish a National Artificial Intelligence Agency in Morocco, driven by the belief that AI is a revolution reshaping global economic, technological, and geopolitical balances. She argues that anticipating these changes is crucial for Morocco to create future wealth, jobs, and technologies, rather than becoming dependent on foreign innovations. The proposed agency would address new challenges posed by AI, including technological sovereignty, data governance, algorithmic ethics, cybersecurity, employment impact, skills training, and citizen protection. Belkheir advocates for the agency to be placed under the Head of Government rather than a technical ministry, due to AI's transversal nature across sectors like education, health, agriculture, industry, justice, security, and public administration. This direct attachment aims to ensure high-level coordination and a coherent national strategy, without undermining existing ministries. The agency's role would be to anticipate risks, propose standards, guide public decision-making, and establish a framework that protects citizens while fostering innovation and fundamental freedoms, especially concerning manipulative content and deepfakes. Regarding technological sovereignty, Belkheir clarifies that it means the ability to make independent decisions, protect strategic interests, and develop local expertise, rather than isolation. Morocco, with its dynamic youth, recognized skills, strategic geogr
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Adil Zaidi, president of the CGEM Automobile Federation, will be a guest on the program L'Info en Face this Thursday, June 18. Hosted by Rachid Hallaouy, the discussion will focus on the EU industry and automotive summit, specifically addressing the future of the automotive sector in Morocco. The program will explore the implications of the summit for the country's automotive industry.
Must ReadMorocco is actively working to enhance African air integration, as highlighted at the first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition AFCAC Expo 2026 held in Lom茅 from June 15 to 19. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to fostering a more open, connected, and integrated African airspace. Abdessamad Kayouh, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, stated that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco is dedicated to promoting the continent's air integration. He emphasized Morocco's pivotal role in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market SAATM, an initiative launched by the African Union in 2018 to liberalize the aviation sector in Africa. The Minister noted Morocco's progress in connectivity, with Casablanca now having daily connections to 32 African capitals. This dynamic is expected to strengthen through SAATM, leading to greater openness in African airspace and increased exchanges, particularly in cargo. Kayouh also mentioned that Morocco's aviation sector is preparing for significant expansion by 2037, with Royal Air Maroc's fleet projected to grow from 70 to 200 aircraft of various sizes. This expansion aims to solidify Morocco's strategic position as a regional air transport hub. Abdelhamid Addou, the CEO of Royal Air Maroc, speaking at an AFCAC Expo 2026 panel, affirmed the airline's ambition to lead in creating an open and interconnected African sky. He highlighted RAM's extensive network around the Casablanca hub, which facilitates inter-A
Rabat officially inaugurated the headquarters for the secretariat of the African Capitals of Culture on Thursday, June 18, 2026. This move positions Rabat as a hub for African cultural cooperation, providing institutional depth and visibility to the pan-African initiative supported by the African Union and Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The initiative aims to leverage culture as a driver for development, sovereignty, social cohesion, and influence for African cities. Rabat, which was the first African Capital of Culture in 2022, will now host the body responsible for future editions, including Cabo Verde in 2028, with Praia as the main host city. Adama Traor茅, President of the African Capitals of Culture committee, stated that the headquarters is a common home for dialogue, cooperation, reflection, and innovation. He emphasized the need for a physical location to coordinate and prepare for the future, highlighting that the Moroccan government's provision of the headquarters allows the initiative to exist physically rather than virtually. Traor茅 also noted Morocco's significant role in African geopolitics and its commitment to cultural, institutional, and sporting events. Salah-Eddine Abkari, interim Secretary General of the Department of Culture, speaking on behalf of Minister Mehdi Bensa茂d, stressed that Africa's cultural, linguistic, and heritage diversity should be a lever for development and emancipation. He also pointed to the immense potential