Morocco is ramping up efforts to strengthen its digital systems and protect public platforms from cyber threats, said Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, El Fallah Seghrouchni during a parliamentary oral session on Monday.
Seghrouchni said that her ministry is rolling out a full-on cybersecurity strategy. This includes risk management policies, regular system audits, firewalls, and fixing any weak spots in their digital platforms.
“We’ve activated new-generation intrusion detection and prevention systems,” Seghrouchni said, “and we’re carrying out regular penetration tests to keep systems safe.”
The minister also pointed out that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology tools; it’s also about people. That’s why officials responsible for digital security are being trained based on national guidelines, and continuous learning programs now include cybersecurity training.
In the event of a cyberattack, Seghrouchni assured that there’s coordination with the proper authorities to respond quickly and effectively.
Shifting gears to artificial intelligence (AI), the minister raised doubts about Morocco’s ranking in the Oxford Insights 2024 report, which placed the country at 101st out of 180 countries in terms of AI readiness.
“It doesn’t reflect the real efforts or the progress we’ve made,” she said, although she welcomed Morocco’s 6th place ranking in Africa as a sign of its growing digital potential. She said that Morocco is among the countries adopting UNESCO’s ethics guidelines for AI.
Looking ahead, Seghrouchni announced plans for a national conference on artificial intelligence this July to spark wider discussions and connect more national stakeholders.
The minister shared positive feedback about the recent GITEX Africa tech expo in Marrakech, which drew over 52,000 visitors.
“We’re even thinking of adding an extra day next time, just for young people,” she said. The event featured 1450 exhibitors, including 200 Moroccan startups whose participation costs were fully covered.
On the topic of public administration reform, Seghrouchni highlighted the impact of Law 55.19, which aims to simplify bureaucratic procedures.
“This law has helped rebuild trust between citizens and government services,” she said, noting that several agencies, including customs and the national social security fund, are already removing the need for certified copies and signature authentications for many documents.
“The goal is to go even further with new digital solutions,” Seghrouchni concluded.
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