• Morocco to build 500MW renewable-powered data center in Dakhla
  
• Jazari Institute launched to advance AI, energy innovation and skills training
  
• Projects aim to boost tech jobs, digital sovereignty, and regional connectivity
  

Morocco plans to build a large renewable-powered data center and create a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) institute in Dakhla, positioning the city as a strategic hub in the country’s digital and energy transition.

The government signed two partnership agreements on Friday, November 15, with Digital Transition Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali and officials from the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region.

The first agreement covers the construction of “Igoudar Dakhla,” a next-generation data center that will provide hosting, storage and data-processing services for domestic and international clients. The facility is planned to have a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) and will operate entirely on power generated by a dedicated solar and wind farm under the Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) program. The center is expected to use advanced cloud infrastructure and natural cooling systems to reduce energy consumption.

The second agreement establishes the Jazari Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Energy Transition, which will focus on training, research and innovation in AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and their applications in the energy sector. The institute will offer research and testing platforms, support startups and involve students and researchers in applied projects on renewables, desalination, green hydrogen and smart grids.

Both initiatives form part of the development strategy for the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. The aim is to strengthen Morocco’s digital connectivity, position the country as a regional tech hub and support preparations for the 2030 World Cup. The projects also reflect Morocco’s plan to place innovation and skills development at the center of its digital and energy transition.

The project comes at a time when Morocco’s data center industry is expanding rapidly. According to Statista, the market is expected to generate 766.81 million dollars in 2025 and grow at an annual rate of 6.35 percent through 2030, reaching about 1.04 billion dollars. ResearchAndMarkets estimates that Morocco will account for 35 percent of the new data-center power capacity planned across Africa.

These investments are expected to boost Morocco’s digital sovereignty, create skilled technology jobs and support the development of a regional value chain built around cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Samira Njoya