NEWS

• Top Moroccan ministers have declared artificial intelligence (AI) a strategic tool to reshape the country’s energy sectors.
• Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali highlighted Morocco’s ambitions to scale up AI integration in its renewable energy sector, noting a 40 per cent increase in the usage of AI processors in wind power.

Top Moroccan ministers have declared artificial intelligence (AI) a strategic tool to reshape the country’s energy sectors, during the opening of Morocco’s first National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, held July 1–2 at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat.

Held under the theme “An Efficient and Ethical AI Strategy Serving Our Society,” the conference brought together leaders from key ministries who emphasised that AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but an urgent priority as Morocco accelerates toward its 2030 development goals.

Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali highlighted Morocco’s ambitions to scale up AI integration in its renewable energy sector, noting a 40 per cent increase in the usage of AI processors in wind power.

He said, “It’s no longer possible to consume and produce energy in the traditional manner,” Benali said, calling AI the linchpin for smart, sustainable development.

The minister stressed the importance of pairing technological innovation with cybersecurity, especially in sensitive sectors such as energy and finance.

He noted, “Without energy, there can be no artificial intelligence, no servers, and no cloud,” she said. “Both must be developed in tandem.”

Morocco plans to double its electricity supply by 2030 by adding 60 gigawatts of capacity. The soaring demand driven by digital technologies, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and education, requires a deeper partnership between the public and private sectors, Benali noted.

With the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, the minister underscored a vision for a digitally connected Morocco that embraces AI across public infrastructure while preserving quality of life.

With its sights set on the 2030 World Cup and broader development goals, Morocco is positioning artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a foundation for societal transformation. From classrooms to power plants to job centres, ministers say AI will be central to building a smarter, more inclusive future.

The two-day national conference, which continues through July 2, marks the country’s most ambitious step yet in embedding AI into public policy, as Morocco signals its intent to lead in Africa’s digital transition.