Deep Dive: Prof. Radouane Mrabet Calls for National AI Strategy in Moroccan Universities

Morocco, as a North African nation bridging Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, faces unique pressures in higher education due to rapid technological advancements like AI. Prof. Radouane Mrabet's advocacy for a national strategy underscores the vulnerability of Moroccan universities, which have historically prioritized traditional disciplines amid limited tech infrastructure. Culturally, Morocco's education system reflects a blend of French colonial legacies and Arab-Islamic traditions, making AI adoption a strategic pivot to modernize without alienating core values. Key actors include university leaders like Mrabet, government education ministries, and potentially international partners such as the EU or World Bank, whose interests lie in regional stability through skilled workforces. Geopolitically, this call aligns with Morocco's ambitions to position itself as Africa's tech hub, competing with neighbors like Egypt and South Africa. The urgency stems from AI's disruptive potential: without a task force and vision, universities risk obsolescence, widening the digital divide in a country where youth unemployment hovers high. Cross-border implications extend to the EU, Morocco's top trade partner via migration and remittances, as an AI-literate Moroccan diaspora could bolster bilateral tech collaborations. Francophone Africa's shared educational frameworks mean Morocco's strategy could influence Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal, fostering regional AI standards. Stakeholders' interests vary: educators seek tools for pedagogy, students demand future-proof skills, while policymakers view AI as a lever for economic diversification beyond phosphates and tourism. Historically, Morocco's 2019 National AI Strategy laid groundwork, but university-specific implementation lags, explaining Mrabet's push. Outlook suggests formation of inter-ministerial task forces could accelerate adoption, with pilot programs in Rabat or Casablanca universities testing frameworks. Failure to act risks brain drain to Europe, affecting MENA stability. Broader implications touch global south dynamics, where developing nations grapple with AI ethics, data sovereignty, and access disparities. Morocco's model could inspire BRICS+ partners, emphasizing nuanced integration over blind adoption. This preserves cultural contexts like Arabic NLP needs, ensuring AI serves national identity rather than eroding it.