Morocco
Morocco’s internet governance reflects a mix of progress and challenges as the country navigates the digital landscape. The Moroccan government has made significant improvements in expanding internet access and promoting digital innovation, aiming to position itself as a regional hub for technology. Over the past decade, internet penetration has grown rapidly, with millions of citizens connected through both mobile and fixed-line networks. This progress is largely due to government initiatives focused on improving telecommunications infrastructure and promoting digital literacy. The regulatory framework for internet governance in Morocco is overseen by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), which is responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector, including internet services.
Consult Morocco’s digital strategies and regulations
Internet governance
Internet governance in Morocco encompasses the frameworks, policies, and regulations that manage the development, use, and security of the internet within the country. The Moroccan government, alongside private sector entities, civil society organisations, and international partners, plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing these frameworks to promote digital inclusion, economic growth, and cybersecurity.
Key Components
Regulatory Framework
ANRT (National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency): ANRT is the central body responsible for regulating telecommunications and internet services in Morocco. It ensures compliance with national regulations, manages the allocation of radio frequencies, and promotes competition among telecom operators. ANRT’s regulatory role includes monitoring market practices, approving tariffs, and protecting consumer rights.
Telecommunications Law: Morocco’s Law No. 24-96, enacted in 1997, serves as the foundational legal framework for telecommunications. It has been amended multiple times to address evolving market needs and technological advancements. This law covers licensing requirements, the rights and obligations of service providers, and provisions for consumer protection.
Digital Infrastructure
Broadband Expansion: The Moroccan government has prioritised the expansion of broadband infrastructure to increase internet penetration. The ‘Maroc Digital 2020’ strategy aimed to provide high-speed internet access to 100% of the population. This involves extensive deployment of fiber optic networks, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
5G Implementation: Morocco is preparing for the introduction of 5G technology. The ANRT has initiated steps for the auctioning of 5G spectrum licenses, with the expectation that 5G will enhance internet speeds, support smart city initiatives, and boost industrial digitisation.
Digital strategies
Morocco has implemented several ambitious digital strategies to transform its economy, enhance governance, and improve public services through the integration of digital technologies.
The first significant strategy was Maroc Numeric 2013, launched in 2009. This strategy aimed to position Morocco as a regional digital hub by 2013. Its objectives included improving public service delivery through the digitisation of government services, supporting the growth of ICT companies, and enhancing broadband infrastructure. The strategy also focused on integrating ICT in education and workforce training. Specific programs such as the GENIE program aimed at equipping schools with digital tools and training teachers. Other initiatives like watiqa.ma facilitated online access to administrative services. This strategy also emphasised legal frameworks for digital trust, including data protection laws and the establishment of the Moroccan Computer Emergency Response Team (maCERT).
Building on the progress of Maroc Numeric 2013, the Maroc Digital 2020 strategy was launched to further establish Morocco as a competitive digital economy by 2020. This strategy sought to expand digital public services, improve access to digital technologies in rural areas, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. It also continued efforts to enhance cybersecurity and prepare for the rollout of 5G technology. Initiatives under this strategy aimed to bridge the digital divide and support digital startups and SMEs through funding and incubation programs.
The latest Digital Morocco 2030 strategy aims to solidify the country’s position as a digital economy hub by fostering startups, enhancing public service digitisation, and developing a skilled digital workforce. Key goals include creating 270,000 jobs, supporting AI and cloud infrastructure, and improving connectivity in rural areas. It also aims to train 100,000 digital professionals annually, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all citizens.
Cybersecurity
Morocco has recognised the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding its digital infrastructure and data. As a result, the country has developed a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy that addresses various aspects of digital security. This strategy focuses on creating a robust legal and regulatory framework, establishing specialised institutions, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.
The cornerstone of this strategy is the establishment of a national cybersecurity agency tasked with overseeing and coordinating all cybersecurity efforts across different sectors. This agency plays a pivotal role in implementing the national strategy, ensuring that all public and private entities adhere to the prescribed cybersecurity standards and practices.
Legislative Framework
To support its cybersecurity strategy, Morocco has enacted several laws designed to enhance the security of its information systems and protect personal data. Law No. 05-20 on Cybersecurity provides the legal basis for protecting critical infrastructure and mandates that organisations implement specific security measures. This law also requires organisations to report cybersecurity incidents to the relevant authorities, thereby facilitating a coordinated response to cyber threats.
Additionally, Law No. 09-08 on the protection of personal data sets out the requirements for handling individuals’ information securely. This law aims to protect citizens’ privacy and ensure that their data is processed in accordance with strict security standards.
Institutional Framework
The Directorate General of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) is the primary body responsible for defining and implementing Morocco’s national policies on information systems security. The DGSSI works closely with various government agencies and private sector entities to ensure that cybersecurity measures are effectively implemented and maintained.
Another key institution is the Moroccan Computer Emergency Response Team (maCERT), which is responsible for responding to and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. maCERT plays a crucial role in monitoring the threat landscape, coordinating responses to cyber incidents, and providing guidance on best practices for cybersecurity.
Capacity Building and Awareness
Morocco places a strong emphasis on building cybersecurity capacity and raising awareness among its citizens and businesses. The country has implemented various training programs aimed at developing the skills of cybersecurity professionals and enhancing the knowledge of existing IT staff. These programs are designed to ensure that Morocco has a pool of qualified experts capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by cyber threats.
Public awareness campaigns are also a key component of Morocco’s cybersecurity strategy. These campaigns aim to educate citizens and businesses about the risks associated with cyber threats and the importance of adopting best practices for cybersecurity. By raising awareness, Morocco hopes to create a more security-conscious society that is better equipped to defend against cyber attacks.
AI strategies and policies
The Al-Khawarizmi Program is a pivotal initiative by the Moroccan government aimed at accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and fostering innovation within the country. Named after the legendary mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, the program reflects Morocco’s dedication to leveraging AI and other advanced technologies to drive economic growth and societal progress.
Objectives and Goals
The primary objectives of the Al-Khawarizmi Program are to enhance AI literacy and skills among Moroccan citizens, promote AI research and innovation, foster a competitive AI ecosystem, and integrate AI into government services to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Key Components
The program is structured around several key components designed to address various aspects of AI development and integration.
In terms of AI education and training, the Al-Khawarizmi Program emphasizes the importance of incorporating AI and machine learning into school and university curricula. It offers specialized AI training programs and certifications to equip the workforce with essential AI skills. Additionally, the program establishes partnerships with international educational institutions to provide world-class AI education.
To drive AI innovation, the program supports research and development (R&D) in AI and related fields such as data science and robotics. It fosters collaboration between universities, research centers, and the private sector to create a culture of AI innovation. Funding for AI research projects and startups is provided through grants and venture capital to stimulate growth and innovation.
The program aims to build robust digital infrastructure to support AI development. This includes expanding high-speed internet access to facilitate AI applications, developing data centers and cloud computing facilities to support AI services, and implementing smart city technologies that leverage AI to enhance urban living.
Follow Morocco’s digital submarine cables
The data is sourced from reputable international agencies and organizations. Hover over each field for source information and explanations.
General profile
Official name: Kingdom of Morocco
National internet domain: MA
Area: 446,550 km2
Capital: Rabat
Population: 37.8 million
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Population growth: 1.01
Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Life expectancy at birth: 74.97
Total years (Estimate for 2022)The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Rule of law estimate: -0.20
Rule of Law captures perceptions of the extent to which agents have confidence in and abide by the rules of society, and in particular the quality of contract enforcement, property rights, the police, and the courts, as well as the likelihood of crime and violence. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately -2.5 to 2.5 (Estimate for 2023)
Regulatory quality estimate: -0.09
Political stability: -0.32
Economic info
Currency: Moroccan dirham
Unemployment (%): 11.79
Unemployment, total (% of total labor force)The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
GDP (current US$): 141.1 billion
GDP growth (annual %): 3.18
GDP per capita (current US$): 3.7 thousand
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Inflation, consumer prices (annual %): 6.09
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Digital profile
Internet and social media penetration:
Individuals using the internet, total (%): 89.90
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Social media users: 21.2 million
Estimate for 2024Male internet users (%): 89.90
Male internet users as a % of total male population.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Facebook users: 20.6 million
Estimate for 2024Female internet users (%): 86.40
Female Internet users as a % of total female population.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
Instagram users: 11.9 million
Estimate for 2024Households with internet access at home (%): 87.40
The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.Linkedin users: 4.9 million
Estimate for 2024Fixed broadband subscriptions: 6.47
Total fixed broadband subscriptions (per 100 people) refers to fixed subscriptions to high-speed access to the public internet (a TCP/IP connection), at downstream speeds equal to, or greater than, 256 kbit/s.The displayed data represents the most recent information obtained from sources, typically covering the years 2018 to 2023.
X users: 1.2 million
Estimate for 2024Mobile infrastructure and access:
Mobile ownership (%): 71.11
Mobile phone ownership as a % of total population (Estimate for 2023)Mobile Infrastructure: 69.78
Mobile Infrastructure index: High-performance mobile internet coverage availability. It includes parameters such as network coverage, performance, quality of supporting infrastructure and amount of spectrum assigned to mobile network operators (Estimate for 2023)Gender gap in mobile internet (%): 15.15
This metric evaluates the disparity in mobile internet access between genders. (Estimate for 2023)Mobile Affordability: 51.53
Mobile Affordability index : The availability of mobile services and devices at price points that reflect the level of income across a national population. It includes parameters such as mobile tariffs, headset prices, taxation and inequality (Estimate for 2023)Gender gap in mobile ownership (%): 29.63
Represents the disparity between genders in owning mobile devices. (Estimate for 2023)Top-Level Domains (TLDs) per person: 48.33
Number of generic and country Top Level Domains per person Estimate for 2023.Network performance: 62.25
Network performance index: Quality of mobile services measured by download speed, upload speed and latencies (Estimate for 2023)Mobile download speeds: 39.59
Mobile download speeds: Average download speed for mobile users (originally in Mbit/s) (Estimate for 2023)Mobile uploads speeds: 59.51
Mobile uploads speeds: average uploads speed for mobile users (originally in Mbit/s) (Estimate for 2023)Mobile Latencies: 87.64
Mobile Latencies: Average latency for mobile users (originally in milliseconds) (Estimate for 2023)Network Coverage (%): 89.18
Network coverage (% of total population) (Estimate for 2023)2G Coverage (%): 99.80
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)3G Coverage (%): 99
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)4G Coverage (%): 99
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)5G Coverage (%): 0
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2023)Operating system and browser market share estimate
Operating system market share (%):
Desktop, Tablet & Console Operating System Market Share: Estimate for 2024Browser market share (%):
Browser Market Share Worldwide: Estimate for 2024Android: 52.87
Chrome: 79.09
Win10: 22.04
Safari: 8.26
iOS: 9.69
Edge: 3.32
OS X: 3.15
Firefox: 2.47
Win11: 7.46
Samsung Internet: 3.32
The UN E-Government Survey
The UN E-Government Survey is the assessment of the digital government landscape across all UN member states. The E-Government Survey is informed by over two decades of longitudinal research, with a ranking of countries based on the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), a combination of primary data (collected and owned by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and secondary data from other UN agencies.E-Government Rank: 90
Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), a combination of primary data (collected and owned by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and secondary data from other UN agencies. Estimate gives the country's rank.E-Government Index: 0.68
The EGDI is a composite measure of three important dimensions of e-government, namely: provision of online services, telecommunication connectivity and human capacity. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.E-Participation Index: 0.43
The E-Participation Index (EPI) is derived as a supplementary index to the United Nations E-Government Survey. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Online Service Index: 0.56
The online services index was developed by the UN to evaluate the scope and quality of government online services. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Human Capital Index: 0.60
The Human Capital Index (HCI) quantiï¬es the contribution of health and education to the productivity of the next generation of workers. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Telecommunication Infrastructure Index: 0.88
Telecommunication Infrastructure Index- Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) Composite Indicator that measures the countries' Telecommunication infrastructure readiness to adopt the opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technology as to enhance their competitiveness. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Government AI Readiness Index 2023
Ranking: 88
Global Ranking is calculated based on the total score. (Estimate for 2023).Total: 43.33
The total score is calculated by taking the arithmetic mean of each dimension, followed by the arithmetic mean of each pillar. The final score is the arithmetic mean of the three pillars, with all indicators, dimensions, and pillars weighted equally. (Estimate for 2023).Government: 37.54
This pillar evaluates a government's readiness and capability to implement AI responsibly and effectively. It includes several dimensions: the presence of a national AI strategy (Vision), regulations for data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, along with ethical frameworks and accountability measures (Governance and Ethics). It also considers the existing IT infrastructure, online services, and promotion of emerging technology investments (Digital Capacity). Finally, it assesses the government’s ability to change and innovate effectively, including responsiveness to change, effectiveness, and use of procurement data (Adaptability). (Estimate for 2023).Technology Sector: 35.68
This pillar assesses the country's technology sector and its ability to support AI implementation. It includes the maturity of the sector, measured by metrics such as the number of AI and non-AI unicorns, value of trade in ICT services and goods, and spending on computer software (Maturity). It also evaluates the sector's capacity for innovation, considering factors like time spent dealing with regulations, availability of venture capital, R&D spending, company investment in emerging technology, and research papers published in AI (Innovation Capacity). Additionally, it examines the availability of skills within the population, focusing on STEM graduates, GitHub users, female STEM graduates, quality of engineering education, and ICT skills (Human Capital). (Estimate for 2023).Data and Infrastructure: 56.78
This pillar evaluates a country’s technological and data infrastructure to support AI implementation. It examines the quality of technological infrastructure, including telecommunications, supercomputing capabilities, broadband quality, 5G infrastructure, and the adoption of emerging technologies (Infrastructure). It also assesses the availability of data for training AI models, considering factors such as open data, data governance, mobile-cellular subscriptions, household internet access, and statistical capacity (Data Availability). Additionally, it considers the representativeness of the available data, focusing on metrics like the gender gap in internet access and the affordability of internet-enabled devices relative to GDP per capita (Data Representativeness). (Estimate for 2023).
