With its 23 data centers, Morocco ranks number one in Africa. According to Global Finance Magazine, the country’s desire to secure its data sovereignty has also contributed to the boom in this high-tech and IT sector.
In 2020, Morocco’s Digital Development Agency published a roadmap outlining the country’s digital development goals. Following this, various incentives were gradually introduced to promote growth in the sector. First, tax cuts and exemptions were offered under the National Investment Charter. Later, a new law enacted in 2021 made it mandatory for all sensitive data to be hosted within Morocco’s borders.
Most data centers in the country are owned by telecom companies such as Maroc Telecom and Inwi, or by data center operators like Medasys and N+One. The majority of large banks have their own data centers, while smaller banks benefit from leasing data storage space.
The Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra regions stand out as the areas with the highest number of data centers. These urban centers offer higher internet penetration rates and greater energy availability compared to other regions.
Moreover, Morocco’s digital transformation goes far beyond just data centers. Fintech, artificial intelligence, and even e-government initiatives are also experiencing significant development.