Casablanca-Settat: Onepoint to Establish a Center of Excellence in Data and AI

Memorandum of Understanding for the Creation of a Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence in the Casablanca-Settat Region Signed in Rabat

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence in the Casablanca-Settat region was signed on Tuesday in Rabat between several ministerial departments, the Moroccan Agency for Investment Development and Export (AMDIE), and the French company Onepoint.

The agreement was signed by: Amal El Fellah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administration Reform; Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade; Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate for Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies; Ali Seddiki, Director General of AMDIE; David Layani, Founder and President of Onepoint.

This partnership, aligned with the implementation of the national digital strategy “Morocco Digital 2030” and the country’s technological advancement, aims to equip the Kingdom with cutting-edge technological infrastructure dedicated to data and AI. This will support the modernization of public services, digital innovation, and the competitiveness of the national industrial sector.

On this occasion, Ms. Seghrouchni emphasized that the signing of this strategic partnership with the French group Onepoint marks a major milestone in Morocco’s commitment to establishing itself as a leading destination for high-value-added offshoring. She highlighted the growing attractiveness of the national digital and industrial ecosystem.

The initiative will recruit 500 Moroccan engineers and strengthen advanced expertise in strategic technological fields such as AI, data processing, and middleware (intergiciels), the minister stated in a press briefing.

She added that the project seeks to reinforce the Kingdom’s digital sovereignty, specialize the national workforce in strategic technological segments, and provide Moroccan talent with opportunities to contribute to large-scale international projects.

Mr. Mezzour noted that this MoU reflects the confidence global leaders place in Morocco’s industrial, human, and digital potential. He stated that the project’s location in the Casablanca-Settat region will enhance its technological appeal and pave the way for high-value-added synergies.

He further explained that this represents a significant opportunity to create an integrated ecosystem supporting Industry 4.0, aiding the digitization of national industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening the security of industrial systems.

For his part, Mr. Zidane stressed that this alliance demonstrates international investors’ confidence in Morocco’s attractiveness, particularly in digital transformation and the development of national competencies.

“This Center of Excellence will position Morocco as a continental-scale technological platform, fostering the creation of skilled jobs and the valorization of human capital,” he continued, adding that the project aligns fully with national priorities in investment, innovation, and digital sovereignty.

Mr. Layani affirmed that Onepoint plans to recruit over 500 Moroccan talents in the next four years to address major challenges in AI—a sector projected to reach a global market value of $1.5 trillion by 2030.

He emphasized the importance of developing middleware-based technological solutions, which are critical for enabling organizations, institutions, and businesses to expand their operations securely and cohesively.

“This center will empower Moroccan engineers to design technological building blocks through continuous innovation, delivering tangible impacts for citizens,” he added.

The future center aligns with Morocco’s national strategy to strengthen its position as a regional hub for technological innovation and digital transformation.