Morocco and Gabon have signed new agreements to strengthen cooperation in digital development, with a focus on artificial intelligence, training and regulatory alignment, as both countries seek to accelerate their digital transformation.
The deals were concluded on the sidelines of GITEX Africa 2026, held in Marrakech from April 7 to 9, underscoring growing collaboration between African countries in building digital capacity.
Expanding cooperation framework
The first agreement, signed by Morocco’s digital minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Gabon’s counterpart Mark Alexandre Doumba, sets out a broad framework for bilateral cooperation.
It includes sharing expertise in digital public policy, aligning regulatory frameworks and developing training programmes tailored to the evolving needs of the digital economy.
As part of the initiative, 15 Gabonese students will receive full scholarships to study at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University starting in September 2026.
Focus on training and public sector capacity
A second agreement links National Institute of Posts and Telecommunications with its Gabonese counterpart, focusing on modernising academic programmes and strengthening technical training.
The partnership includes a dedicated scheme for public sector capacity-building, offering five fully funded scholarships annually over five years for Gabonese civil servants.
The aim is to equip government officials with the technical skills needed to manage digital transformation and implement modern public services.
South-South cooperation gains ground
The agreements reflect a broader trend of South-South cooperation across Africa, where countries are increasingly pooling expertise to accelerate digitalisation and improve competitiveness.
Gabon is looking to leverage Morocco’s experience in structuring its digital ecosystem, as it refines its national strategy with a focus on regulation, infrastructure, public service digitisation and skills development.
For Morocco, the partnership aligns with its ambitions to position itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Authorities in Rabat aim to generate up to 100 billion dirhams (around US$10.7 billion) in value from AI by 2030, driven by investment in talent, research and international partnerships.
Building a digital future
The collaboration highlights the growing importance of skills development in Africa’s digital transition, particularly as countries seek to harness emerging technologies such as AI.
By combining training, policy alignment and institutional cooperation, Morocco and Gabon are aiming to build a more robust digital ecosystem capable of supporting economic diversification and long-term growth.
The partnership also signals a shift toward more intra-African collaboration in technology, as governments look within the continent for solutions to shared development challenges.
