The first National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) began Tuesday, running July 1-2, 2025, at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Salé. In a video message, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said the event reflects a «collective will» to make AI central to public policy. The goal is to «implement a strong, ethical national strategy that supports inclusive and sustainable development». «We recognize AI's vast opportunities but also the challenges it brings, digital sovereignty, social justice, data protection, and ethics», Akhannouch said, highlighting Morocco's Digital 2030 plan. The government has allocated up to 11 billion dirhams to boost the digital economy, create jobs, and train 100,000 young people in digital skills, aiming for 240,000 new jobs by 2030. AI is seen as a key driver for transforming Morocco's economy and society. In healthcare, it improves early diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and system efficiency. In agriculture, it helps manage water resources and increase yields. In education, AI offers new teaching tools to reduce dropout rates and improve learning quality. However, Akhannouch also warned that AI presents «a major paradox» and challenges the labor market, requiring adaptation to global changes. The head of government stressed the ethical risks linked to AI, such as misinformation and data manipulation, which threaten societal foundations. Addressing these challenges calls for «collective effort, shared reflection, and global coordination», with investments in talent, research, and training. The conference, organized by the Ministry of Digital Transition, brings together public and private sector leaders, experts, and representatives from academia, civil society, and the diaspora. Topics include administrative modernization, education, health, smart agriculture, Industry X.0, security, culture, media, governance, ethics, innovation, and infrastructure. The event will close with recommendations and the signing of memoranda of understanding.
