With artificial intelligence (AI) dominating much of Dubai's tech trade show GITEX Global, Morocco has entered into a strategic partnership to advance its digital ambitions.

The partnership, signed on the sidelines of GITEX, is with the United Arab Emirates’ AI71 and Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.

AI71 is an AI company launched by the Abu Dhabi government’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in 2023. 

It develops industry AI solutions powered by the Technology Innovation Institute’s (TII’s) Falcon AI models. TII is part of ATRC, which oversees technology research in the emirate.

According to organisers, the partnership will support the North African nation’s digital and transformation agenda, in line with its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy.

The ministry and AI71 will work together by exploring the potential of adopting AI-powered solutions to enhance citizens’ access to government services and ensure a more accessible and user-centric experience for the public.

“We are honoured to support Digital Morocco 2030, and to bring our AI expertise and solutions to even more people,” said Reda Nidhakou, acting CEO of VentureOne, AI71’s parent company.

“Morocco’s government and start-ups have the power to supercharge the national economy. Empowering them with the right digital solutions will help ensure many more people can benefit from AI’s transformative power. We look forward to seeing Morocco move forward on its ambitious journey to digitisation and further solidify its position as a leader within the region.”

As part of the agreement, AI71 will award $100 000-worth of compute power to four Morocco-based AI start-ups following the conclusion of a joint competition with the Moroccan ministry.

The competition kicked off at GITEX Africa earlier this year, where the ministry invited 200 start-ups to present their solutions to AI71 for a chance to be supported with compute power.

In total, 35 AI start-ups participated in the competition, and four winners – ToumAI, Heyy.ma, PostGoo, and Thinkable – were selected based on novelty, technical feasibility, and growth potential.

“Each will be given compute power via AI71’s API Hub, which provides easy, affordable access to the Falcon series of AI models, enabling them to accelerate development, experimentation, and solution-building with AI.”

“AI71 will monitor the winning start-ups’ progress and continue to explore potential opportunities for further funding, support, and collaboration.

The 44th edition of the annual tech trade show is underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Synonymous with future tech solutions, this year’s GITEX has welcomed over 6 500 exhibitors, 1 800 start-ups, and 1 200 investors from more than 180 countries.