Opportunities for Finnish companies in Morocco in the field of digitalization

Morocco is on the verge of a digital revolution, striving to digitalize every aspect of its society. Digital transformation has become a cornerstone of the country's administrative reforms, driving rapid advancements in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Additionally, preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2030 serve as a key motivator, with the event acting as a deadline to showcase Morocco’s progress on a global stage. This dynamic environment presents opportunities for Finnish companies to engage in a sector that is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of economic growth, modernization, and competitiveness in both regional and global markets. The country's ambitious digital strategy, officially launched on 25th of September 2024, underscores this commitment. Backed by a budget exceeding one billion euros for 2024–2026, the strategy aims to create 240,000 new jobs by 2030 and contribute over 9 billion euros to Morocco’s GDP.

Morocco Digital Strategy 2030

Led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Morocco’s Digital Strategy 2023 focuses on four main areas: job creation, digitization of public services, support for the startup ecosystem, and the rollout of 5G. A major component of this initiative is the modernization of public services through digital means, making them more efficient and accessible. This effort is designed to simplify administrative processes and improve transparency, benefiting both citizens and businesses, and promoting a more interconnected society. The growth in Morocco's ICT sector is also closely tied to the country’s preparations for hosting major international events, such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These events present opportunities to highlight Morocco's advancements in digital infrastructure and services.

Morocco Digital Strategy 2030 consists of two strategic priorities:

1. Digitizing public services to better serve citizens and businesses.
2. Boosting the digital economy to produce Moroccan digital solutions and create value and jobs.

Engagement between the government and the private sector is fundamental to achieving the objectives of the digital strategy. Public-private partnerships are expected to play an instrumental role in building infrastructure, delivering digital services, and fostering innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology.

Generating Employment in the Digital Sector

By strengthening digital skills through targeted training and support, Morocco seeks to establish itself as a center for digital innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. A key element of the strategy is the development of digital skills through education and training. The strategy plans to train 100,000 new young Moroccans every year by 2030, with an initial training program for 45,000 per year starting in 2030.

The strategy seeks to boost Morocco's digital economy by fostering the development of local digital solutions, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing overall economic value. A central component of this effort is the expansion of the offshoring sector, a critical driver of Morocco's economy, alongside the creation of a supportive ecosystem for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This involves outsourcing IT projects—such as development, third-party application maintenance (TMA), "as-a-service" solutions, cloud computing, electronic transactions, and cybersecurity. The offshoring sector can provide a favorable operating environment for foreign startups, including Finnish companies.

Digitalization of Public Services

Morocco seeks to digitalize public services to streamline administrative processes and decentralize decision-making. These technological advancements are crucial for closing the digital divide and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to digital services. Reforms are planned in several sectors, including healthcare, where the acceleration of telemedicine and the enhancement of digital infrastructure in hospitals are prioritized. In education, the focus is on expanding distance learning and providing digital training and upskilling for educators. Additionally, in the field of social protection, efforts are underway to improve access to services through unified digital platforms.

5G Technology

Morocco is planning to expand 4G networks to 5G and improve connectivity in underserved areas, which will promote greater technological inclusion and drive innovation across various sectors of society. Ensuring the security and safety of these networks is a key priority, alongside the development of fiber optic networks and the expansion of 5G coverage in rural areas. The National Agency for Regulation of Telecommunications (ANRT) will play a key role in overseeing these efforts. The implementation of 5G infrastructure will support the development and growth of multiple sectors, such as marine and coastal surveillance, agriculture, and green mobility, by enabling more efficient resource allocation and enhancing operational capabilities. Morocco aims to have 25% 5G coverage in the country by 2026 and 70% by 2030. The decisions on licensing are expected to be announced during the first half of 2025.

Support for the Startup Ecosystem

Additionally, the strategy is designed to foster a dynamic and supportive environment for startups and SMEs by offering access to a wide range of critical resources, including funding, mentorship, and comprehensive training in digital skills. These resources are intended to empower entrepreneurs and innovators to develop new digital solutions that are not only well-suited to the local market but also have the potential for regional scalability. By equipping startups with the tools and expertise needed to succeed, the strategy aims to create a robust ecosystem that encourages the growth of technology-driven businesses across various sectors. In line with this ambition, Morocco has set an ambitious target of supporting the establishment of 3,000 digital startups by 2030. This growth will be driven by initiatives to attract both local and international entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where new technologies, business models, and digital services can flourish. By nurturing a diverse range of digital ventures, Morocco hopes to position itself as a regional hub for innovation, contributing to economic development and strengthening its global competitiveness.

Morocco's ICT sector is on a transformative path, driven by a comprehensive digital strategy, government support, and robust public-private collaboration. As Morocco continues to invest in digital infrastructure and talent development, the ICT sector is poised to become a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.