Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, said that “Morocco can become a key player in the regional and international gaming industry” during the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo, taking place from July 2 to 6.
The event, attended by several government officials, industry professionals, startups, and other stakeholders, marks a major step forward in Morocco’s efforts to build a thriving digital economy fueled by creativity, innovation, and the empowerment of young Moroccan talent, Bensaid noted. “This is far more than a simple gathering,” he added.
Highlighting the potential of the gaming industry to draw inspiration from Morocco’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, the Minister stressed that elements such as historical narratives, folklore, architectural art, and traditional music can be integrated into unique games that reflect Moroccan identity and captivate global audiences.
He further stated that Morocco is well-positioned to seize a range of opportunities, thanks to its immense pool of young talent passionate about technology and video games.
This potential is being channeled into game development through specialized training programs in game design, programming, and digital arts.
“We can build a new generation of Moroccan developers and creatives ready to compete on the global stage,” he added.
Bensaid pointed out that Morocco has already embarked on this journey, with ambitions that go beyond the national market and aim for regional leadership, as the MENA region is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world.
He highlighted that Morocco is laying the groundwork for a competitive gaming industry through strategic partnerships—such as training future designers and creators with leading institutions like ISART—and through the evolution of the communications sector to include a dedicated department for video games.
Calling the global video game market “massive and one of the fastest-growing industries in the world,” Bensaid stated that it is currently valued at nearly $300 billion and is projected to reach $535.29 billion by 2033.
What makes this industry so remarkable, he explained, is its enormous scale and diversity. Mobile games alone generate nearly $92.6 billion, about 49% of global gaming revenue—while PC and console games still hold a significant and innovative market share.
“You have the drive of youth and a strong will to succeed. All the right conditions are in place for Morocco to one day become a true powerhouse in the global gaming industry,” underscored Okamoto.
He reflected on the early days of Japan’s gaming industry, noting that in the past, it was far more limited than it is today. “The only way to stand out being to have the best ideas,” he said.
Drawing a comparison between Morocco and Japan’s earlier days, Okamoto emphasized that Morocco today is full of youthful energy, courage, and determination to move forward and embrace new challenges. “In many ways, it is like Japan was back then,” he said.
But no matter how much talent Morocco has, Okamoto said, it means little unless you have the courage to take that first step.
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