Morocco ranks low in digital and AI skills, as demand for online learning booms

Out of more than 100 countries, Morocco ranked 71st in digital skill proficiency and 80th in AI readiness, according to the 2025 Global Skills report by Coursera.

The findings are based on data from over 170 million learners worldwide. 

According to the report, more than 8 million people signed up for generative AI courses in 2025 alone, that’s about 12 new learners every minute.

Across the Middle East and North Africa, countries like Israel, the UAE, and Qatar topped the charts in digital skills. 

Morocco, on the other hand, is still struggling: only 31% proficiency in business, 39% in technology, and 26% in data science. 

Meanwhile, the region’s best performers reached around 90% proficiency.

 Coursera’s report shows that 94% of companies now prefer candidates who have AI certificates, and 75% would rather hire someone less experienced but skilled in AI than someone with years of experience but no knowledge in the field.

Around 90% of learners believe that professional certificates help them get ahead. 

And 90% of employers say they’re willing to pay more to candidates who hold these certificates.

Another area that needs urgent attention is cybersecurity. There’s a global shortage of about 5 million professionals in this field. 

 Interest in learning cybersecurity is growing fast, registrations on Coursera jumped 106% in Latin America, 20% in Europe, and 14% in Asia-Pacific in 2025 alone. 

This rise comes as data protection becomes more critical in the age of AI.

The report also urges governments, especially in developing countries, to prioritize digital literacy. 

It suggests integrating generative AI training into school and university programs, so that future graduates are not just packed with theory, but equipped with real-world skills.

Looking ahead, the World Economic Forum predicts that nearly 60% of workers around the world will need to reskill by 2030, due to rapid changes in technology, demographics, and global politics.