Following Oracle's earlier announcement of increased investments in Morocco, the firm yesterday announced intentions to build two cloud regions in the North African country.

The new public cloud regions, to be located in Casablanca and Settat, will offer enterprise cloud services to organisations across Africa.

Oracle says the move demonstrates its commitment to the continent and will accelerate digital transformation for Moroccan and regional businesses, start-ups, universities, and investors.

Earlier this month, Oracle said it is expanding its R&D capabilities in Morocco by adding 1 000 information technology workers.

With yesterday's announcement, Oracle becomes the first hyperscaler to establish public cloud regions in North Africa.

Mohcine Jazouli, minister delegate to the head of government in charge of investment, convergence, and evaluation of public policies, Ghita Mezzour, minister delegate to the head of government in charge of digital transition and administrative reform; and Ali Seddiki, general director of the Moroccan Agency for the Development of Investments and Exports signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the two Oracle Cloud Regions in Morocco during the GITEX Africa 2024, being held in Marrakech this week.

Mezzour said, “This strategic expansion, with a hyperscaler like Oracle, positions Morocco as a unique player in the region and allows an even more dynamic development of skills, and growth opportunities.”

Richard Smith, executive VP for technology at Oracle EMEA, said, “As one of the largest economies in Africa, and with strong business and cultural connections with West Africa, Maghreb, and Europe, Morocco offers unique growth opportunities for businesses that are aiming to accelerate their expansion by deploying the latest digital technologies.”” said