Ghita Mezzour, Morocco's minister in charge of digital transition and administration signed an agreement with Oracle CEO Safra Catz to formalise the relationship.

Oracle is increasing its research and development (R&D) capabilities in Morocco by hiring 1,000 information technology professionals.

This investment, according to the business, will speed the development of Oracle solutions that assist solve client challenges globally.

Today, Ghita Mezzour, Morocco's minister in charge of digital transition and administration signed an agreement with Oracle CEO Safra Catz to formalise the relationship and the tech company’s commitment to the North African country.

Mohcine Jazouli, minister of investment, convergence, and evaluation of public policies, and Ali Seddiki, general director of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, attended the ceremony.

Oracle's expansion comes after the establishment of its Morocco Development Centre site at Casanearshore Park in Casablanca, where researchers develop Oracle's cloud, AI, and machine learning technologies to address the most pressing challenges in business, and the public sector.

The company said an estimated 40 percent of the new positions will be located outside Casablanca and Rabat-Salé-Kenitra to offer opportunities across the country.

Catz said: “Oracle’s R&D center in Casablanca has already played a critical role in creating technical breakthroughs, enhancing cybersecurity, and delivering impactful new AI capabilities

“By expanding our R&D presence in Morocco, we can further tap its deep talent pool to accelerate development of solutions that help our global customers grow their businesses and win in their industries.”

Mezzour added that this ambitious project falls within the vision of King Mohammed VI who wants Moroccan youth to adopt technology for innovation and creativity

She said: “Young Moroccans will be at the forefront of designing and developing innovative solutions, covering the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and cybersecurity. These solutions will be deployed on a global scale, thus strengthening Morocco’s positioning as a regional digital hub.”