• Morocco, OpenAI discuss partnership to boost national AI strategy
• Talks focus on research, innovation, and localized AI ecosystem
• Follows Mistral AI deal to build skills, startups, and safeguards

The Moroccan government is exploring a major collaboration with the U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) company OpenAI. The potential partnership was the central topic of discussion during a meeting between Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and executives from the San Francisco-based firm. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th U.N. General Assembly.

According to a ministry statement published on Facebook on Thursday, Sept. 25, the discussions with OpenAI focused on cooperation in research and innovation and developing an artificial intelligence ecosystem tailored to the unique characteristics of Moroccan society.

The Moroccan government has made AI a core pillar of its national digital transformation efforts, which are designed to accelerate social and economic growth. Through its "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, the government aims to leverage AI's potential to quickly digitize public and private services, attract international tech players, support local startups, and develop necessary skills and infrastructure. The strategy also focuses on consolidating data registries, deploying use cases to improve services, and conducting multi-disciplinary reviews of the societal, legal, and economic implications of AI.

This push to build its AI capacity follows a deal signed on Sept. 12 between the ministry and French AI company Mistral AI. That memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen local AI skills through training, applied research, and knowledge transfer. It also seeks to stimulate the national ecosystem by promoting the growth of startups and industrial projects based on AI solutions tailored to Moroccan business needs. Finally, the Mistral partnership commits to promoting the ethical and inclusive use of AI, ensuring data protection and public trust.

Isaac K. Kassouwi