馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco's digital transformation faces challenges despite ambitious projects
via Le Matin10 min read
Manar Belfqih, in an interview with Le Matin, discusses Morocco's digital transformation, highlighting both ambitious projects and significant challenges. Morocco is pursuing major initiatives like an artificial intelligence mega-project in Nouaceur, data centers powered by 100% renewable energy in partnership with Taqa Maroc, and the 500 MW "Igoudar Num茅rique" project in Dakhla. However, technical hurdles exist, such as the lack of advanced cooling solutions for data centers, which is critical given water stress and the goal of 100% renewable energy. Belfqih emphasizes that digital sovereignty requires more than just multiplying data centers; it necessitates careful partner selection and robust legal contracts to protect data from extraterritorial laws or foreign capture. A major challenge is the digital illiteracy of a large part of the Moroccan population and institutions. Many administrative procedures, including those for marriage, divorce, and notary services, remain traditional and paper-based, despite the existence of online platforms that paradoxically still require physical documents. Belfqih cites the recent organization of access to Gitex, a global tech exhibition, as an example where digitalization fell short, leading to widespread criticism. She notes that true digital sovereignty involves technological and computing autonomy, technical and legal expertise in data storage and protection, capabilities to counter cyber threats, and control over the internet networ
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed, assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi and Mustapha Akerkad, has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the World Cup 2026 group stage match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. South African Tom Abongile will serve as the fourth official, assisted by Zakhele Siwela. This marks the second assignment for the Moroccan trio, who previously officiated the Germany vs. Cura莽ao match. Portugal drew their first match against the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia. The upcoming match is crucial for both Portugal and Uzbekistan's qualification hopes. Notably, an Uzbek referee, Ilgiz Tantashov, recently officiated a match involving Morocco's Atlas Lions against Scotland.
Following Morocco's 1-0 victory over Scotland, coach Mohamed Ouahbi assessed the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, where they have accumulated four points from two matches against Brazil and Scotland. Ouahbi highlighted the team's collective control and improved offensive intentions compared to their draw against Brazil. He noted that while Scotland played more directly with long balls, Morocco effectively countered their strategy. Despite their strong position, Ouahbi emphasized that qualification is not yet secured and the team's objective is to defeat Haiti in the final group match to ensure qualification and potentially secure first place. He also stated that he would field the best possible team against Haiti, considering player freshness, opponent profile, and match context, rather than systematically rotating the squad. Ouahbi also publicly supported captain Achraf Hakimi, who is facing legal proceedings, stating that Hakimi was focused, motivated the team, and played an excellent match. Ouahbi praised the team's mental fortitude and expressed confidence in their ability to advance to the round of sixteen as group leaders.
Bank Al-Maghrib has issued a warning to all banks regarding a global surge in cybercrime campaigns exploiting public interest in the 2026 World Cup. The central bank notes that these threats include the distribution of malware via fake applications or match streaming platforms, as well as phishing campaigns designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details. Bank Al-Maghrib urges banks to enhance customer awareness efforts and emphasize key vigilance rules. These include exercising caution before installing match-streaming applications, avoiding links received via email, SMS, or social media that offer broadcasts or promotional deals, verifying website authenticity before entering personal or banking data, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to the bank. The central bank also instructs banking institutions to relay these vigilance messages to their customers through appropriate communication channels.