Morocco’s cybersecurity market reaches $1.2 billion as demand rises

Morocco’s cybersecurity market has reached an estimated value of $1.2 billion amid growing demand for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Security Operations Center (SOC) services, according to a new report by Ken Research.

The report attributes the sector’s expansion to a surge in cyberattacks, the government’s efforts to strengthen national defenses, and the rapid digitalization of services across both public and private sectors.

Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier drive most of the country’s cybersecurity spending. Casablanca leads due to its concentration of banks, multinational firms and technology-reliant businesses that prioritize protection against data breaches. Rabat’s demand is fueled largely by government institutions, while Tangier’s industrial and logistics hubs are pushing factories and operators to tighten their networks.

Government initiatives remain a major factor. Authorities introduced a National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2023, created a national cybersecurity agency and dedicated $100 million to related programs. The plan emphasizes public-private partnerships to secure government data and critical infrastructure.

Demand is shifting toward MDR services as organizations move away from fully in-house security teams. Companies are increasingly relying on external providers for round-the-clock monitoring, rapid incident response and regulatory compliance. Other high-demand services include threat intelligence, incident response, vulnerability management and compliance solutions.

Government agencies are currently the largest clients, followed by the financial sector, telecom operators, healthcare providers, retailers and manufacturers. Public institutions in particular are facing a steady rise in cyber intrusions and are investing heavily to safeguard sensitive national information.

The market features both global and regional firms, including Orange CyberDefense, Atos, IBM Security, Cisco, Fortinet, Check Point, Trend Micro, Palo Alto Networks, Kaspersky, McAfee, Sophos and CrowdStrike.

Despite momentum, challenges persist. Morocco counts roughly 6,000 certified cybersecurity specialists—about half of what the market requires, according to the report. MDR and SOC services also remain costly, with deployment ranging from $25,000 to $120,000, limiting uptake among small and medium-sized businesses.

The report projects continued growth as digital transformation accelerates across sectors. Organizations are increasingly treating cybersecurity as a core operational priority rather than an optional investment.