#State of AI in Morocco Report 2026
SMIA is proud to announce the publication of its first annual report on the state of artificial intelligence in Morocco. This reference document offers an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the Moroccan AI ecosystem, covering academic, industrial, educational and institutional dimensions. Over 200 pages of data, analysis, and strategic recommendations provide an unprecedented level of detail about where Morocco stands in the global AI landscape and what steps are needed to accelerate its development.
#Why This Report?
Morocco is experiencing rapid growth in artificial intelligence, with the emergence of numerous research labs, innovative startups and ambitious government initiatives. However, a consolidated overview enabling decision-makers, researchers and investors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our ecosystem was missing. This report fills that gap by providing objective data and rigorous analysis.
The timing is particularly important. As AI transforms industries worldwide, Morocco has an opportunity to position itself as a regional leader. But without a clear understanding of our current position, identifying the most impactful investments and policy decisions becomes guesswork. This report replaces speculation with evidence, giving stakeholders a common factual foundation for planning and decision-making.
The report also serves a benchmarking function. By establishing baseline metrics across research output, startup activity, educational programs, and policy frameworks, it creates a reference point against which future progress can be measured. Subsequent annual editions will track how these metrics evolve, allowing the community to celebrate real progress and identify areas needing renewed attention.
#Key Findings
The report reveals several important insights about the Moroccan AI ecosystem. Research output has grown by over 40 percent in the last three years, with Moroccan-affiliated authors publishing in top-tier venues across machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. However, this growth is concentrated in a handful of laboratories, suggesting an opportunity to broaden the research base.
On the startup side, the report identifies more than 60 active AI startups in Morocco, concentrated primarily in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. Total funding raised by these startups has more than doubled since 2023, though the amounts remain modest by international standards. The most active sectors include AI for fintech, agritech, and healthcare, reflecting both local market needs and available expertise.
In education, the report finds that AI course offerings have expanded significantly, but most programs remain at the master's level. There is a notable gap in undergraduate AI education and in continuous learning programs for working professionals seeking to upskill. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for institutions and training providers.
#What the Report Contains
Academic Research: Detailed analysis of Moroccan AI scientific publications, identification of the most active labs, dominant research themes, and most fruitful international collaborations. The report also examines the number of completed theses and key areas of expertise. Country-level comparisons place Moroccan research output in the context of regional peers like Tunisia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting areas where Morocco leads and areas requiring further investment.
Startup Ecosystem: Comprehensive mapping of Moroccan AI startups, analysis of funding rounds, identification of the most promising application sectors, and challenges faced by entrepreneurs. A special section highlights success stories and growth prospects, profiling companies that have achieved product-market fit and are scaling their operations. The report also examines the availability of venture capital, angel investor networks, and government funding programs that support AI entrepreneurship.
Education and Training: Exhaustive overview of AI programs in Moroccan universities and engineering schools, analysis of existing curricula, and identification of unmet needs. The report proposes recommendations to strengthen training offerings, including suggestions for new specializations, industry partnerships to develop practical skills, and online learning initiatives to reach students outside major urban centers.
Public Policies: Analysis of national strategies for AI and digital transformation, evaluation of innovation support mechanisms, and recommendations to improve the regulatory framework. The report examines the impact of initiatives like the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy and identifies specific policy gaps that, if addressed, could accelerate AI adoption across both public and private sectors.
Strategic Recommendations: Concrete and actionable proposals to accelerate AI development in Morocco, broken down by priority axis and relevant stakeholders. Each recommendation includes a proposed timeline, required resources, and expected impact, making it a practical tool for policymakers and institutional leaders planning their AI strategies.
#Who Should Read This Report
This report is designed for a broad audience. Researchers and academics will find detailed data on publication trends, collaboration networks, and research funding that can inform their work and identify potential partners. Entrepreneurs and startup founders can use the competitive landscape analysis to identify market opportunities and understand the funding environment. Policymakers and government officials have access to evidence-based recommendations for strengthening the AI ecosystem. Investors gain a comprehensive view of the startup landscape and emerging sectors. Students and recent graduates can discover the programs, research groups, and companies that are shaping the future of AI in Morocco.
#Methodology
The report is based on a rigorous methodology combining quantitative analysis of scientific publication data, qualitative interviews with key ecosystem players, and a comprehensive survey of Moroccan AI researchers and professionals. Data was collected between January and March 2026. Publication data was sourced from major academic databases including Scopus and Web of Science, using a systematic keyword-based retrieval approach to identify Morocco-affiliated work. The startup data was collected through a combination of public records, direct outreach, and collaboration with Moroccan business registries and incubator networks. Interview subjects included laboratory directors, startup CEOs, university program coordinators, and government officials across multiple ministries.
#Access the Report
The full report is available for free download on the SMIA website. We strongly encourage researchers, policymakers, investors and professionals to consult it to better understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats characterizing the Moroccan AI ecosystem. This report is an essential compass for all those who wish to contribute to the prominence of AI made in Morocco. A summary version in Arabic, French, and English is also available, along with an interactive data dashboard that allows users to explore the underlying datasets. We invite feedback from the community and look forward to publishing future editions that track Morocco's AI journey over time.