Oracle will establish a new R&D centre in Morocco

Ghita Mezzour, Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition, has announced an agreement with US tech giant Oracle to launch a Research and Development Centre in Africa.    

After signing the agreement at Oracle's offices, the Moroccan minister stressed that this centre is the ‘first of its kind in Africa’, according to Morocco World News.  

Mezzour assured that this agreement will create more than 1,000 jobs for Moroccans specialised in information technology. ‘They will develop artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions, among other things, to accelerate the development of Oracle's cutting-edge technologies that help solve customer challenges around the world,’ Mezzour said. 

The minister stressed that this agreement is part of the vision of King Mohammed VI, who seeks to encourage young Moroccans to be innovative, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a ‘hub for productive investments’. 

Oracle CEO Safra Catz also highlighted the relevance of the new centre, noting that the existing hub in Casablanca ‘has already played a key role in creating technical breakthroughs, improving cybersecurity and delivering new and impactful AI capabilities’.  

Similarly, Catz emphasised the importance of expanding the R&D presence in Morocco, stressing in this regard that the company can ‘further leverage its extensive talent pool to accelerate the development of solutions that help global customers grow their businesses and win in their industries.’ 

The deal comes at a time when Morocco is seeking to boost and promote its technology sector, particularly in the AI epic. 

Last March, the United Nations adopted its first resolution on AI, presented to the General Assembly by Morocco and the United States.  

This resolution aims to promote safe and reliable AI systems, as well as to close the gaps within AI and other digital domains that exist between nations.   

Despite the international interest in AI, several voices have warned against the risks of this digital transition. Indeed a recent study published by the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication suggests that most Moroccan professionals are not prepared to adapt quickly to AI.