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2026-06-225 min readSMIA

Welcome to the Moroccan Society of Artificial Intelligence

Discover SMIA, its mission, values and how to join the community.

#Welcome to SMIA

The Moroccan Society of Artificial Intelligence (SMIA) is a non-profit association bringing together researchers, engineers, students and decision-makers passionate about artificial intelligence in Morocco. Founded with the vision of making Morocco a center of AI excellence in Africa and the Arab world, SMIA works every day to structure and energize the national AI ecosystem.

Morocco is undergoing an unprecedented digital transformation, driven by national initiatives such as the Morocco Digital 2030 plan and the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. In this landscape, SMIA acts as a key catalyst, connecting talented Moroccans scattered across the globe and building bridges between academic research, industrial innovation, and public policy. Our association was born from the conviction that Morocco possesses exceptional human potential in AI — world-renowned researchers trained at top universities, talented engineers, and a youth eager to acquire digital skills.

Since our launch, we have organized gatherings in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, and other cities, bringing together hundreds of participants around topics ranging from deep learning and ethical AI to natural language processing and computer vision. Our community continues to grow, driven by enthusiasm and the shared determination to establish Morocco as a key player in artificial intelligence at both the continental and global levels.

#Our Mission

SMIA's mission is to promote research, development and application of AI in Morocco, while fostering collaboration between academia and industry. We firmly believe that AI can be a powerful lever for Morocco's economic and social development, and we work tirelessly to create the conditions for its responsible and ethical emergence.

This translates into several concrete action areas: organizing scientific and public-facing events, publishing reports and studies on the state of AI in Morocco, creating training and mentorship programs for young talent, and representing the Moroccan AI community before national and international institutions. We work closely with universities, engineering schools, research centers, and technology companies to identify market needs and align our initiatives accordingly.

#Our Values

Excellence: We aim for the highest standards in AI research and practice, encouraging scientific rigor and innovation. Every publication, event, and program we offer is designed to meet the highest expectations of the international scientific community.

Innovation: We encourage innovative approaches to solve local and global challenges, drawing on the creativity and expertise of our community. Whether it is using AI to optimize water management in arid regions, improving Arabic and Amazigh language recognition systems, or developing predictive healthcare solutions, we value projects that combine technical excellence with societal impact.

Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork across disciplines and institutions, and we foster fruitful partnerships. SMIA is not an ivory tower — it is a living network where researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers exchange ideas, debate, and co-create the future of AI in Morocco.

Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in AI development and deployment, aware of the societal issues this technology raises. SMIA promotes transparent, fair, and human-rights-respecting AI, in line with UNESCO recommendations and the European Union's principles of trustworthy AI.

#What We Offer

  • Researcher Network: Connect with 70+ Moroccan AI researchers worldwide through our directory and events. Our online platform allows you to discover each member's profile, publications, and projects, facilitating cross-institutional and international collaborations. Whether you are looking for a co-author for a paper, an expert for an industrial project, or simply a community to exchange ideas, our network is here for you.

  • Exclusive Events: Conferences, hackathons, workshops and seminars throughout the year in different Moroccan cities. We also organize monthly webinars accessible remotely, allowing our members abroad to stay connected to the community. Each year, our national conference brings together leading figures from Moroccan and international AI.

  • Mentorship Program: Benefit from guidance by experienced researchers to accelerate your career. Our mentorship program pairs students and young professionals with established experts for personalized, multi-month guidance. Mentees receive advice on research project selection, paper publishing, funding opportunities, and professional network development.

  • Resources & Publications: Access exclusive reports on the state of AI in Morocco, tutorials and case studies. Our AI observatory produces quarterly analyses of trends, investments, and innovations within the Moroccan ecosystem. We also publish a directory of AI research labs and training programs available in Morocco.

  • University Chapters: Join or create a SMIA chapter at your institution to animate AI life on your campus. Chapters organize local events, hands-on workshops, and competitions, backed by logistical and financial support from the national association. Several chapters are already active in Morocco's leading engineering schools and universities.

  • Tech Watch: Stay informed about the latest AI advances through our technology radar and regular publications. Our watch team selects and analyzes the most relevant publications, tools, and news each week, sharing them with the community via our newsletter and social media channels.

  • Job & Collaboration Opportunities: SMIA also serves as a matching platform between AI talent and recruiters. Browse our opportunities dashboard, apply for PhD and post-doctoral positions shared by our partners, and make your profile visible to a network of innovative companies.

#Why Join Now?

The field of artificial intelligence is evolving at a breathtaking pace. Each month brings new discoveries, new models, and new paradigms that redefine our understanding of what AI can achieve. In this context, being part of a structured community like SMIA is a tremendous advantage for staying at the cutting edge, building lasting professional relationships, and actively contributing to shaping tomorrow's AI ecosystem.

#How to Join?

Becoming a SMIA member is simple and open to all AI enthusiasts, regardless of your expertise level. Fill out our online membership form and join a dynamic community dedicated to advancing AI in Morocco. Together, let's build the future of artificial intelligence in Morocco and showcase our expertise internationally.

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Published on 2026-06-22 · 5 min read