AI: A Path to inclusive governance and policy

Morocco is currently at an intersection where rapid digital transformation is beginning to meet traditional governance structures. The government has been taking proactive steps towards adopting technology as part of its development strategy. Digital platforms are increasingly used to provide public services, and initiatives have been launched to foster digital literacy and entrepreneurial development. However, significant challenges persist, such as uneven digital infrastructure between urban and rural areas, socio-economic disparities, and a lack of advanced AI expertise among local talent. In terms of social inclusion, marginalized communities, particularly in rural areas, continue to struggle with limited access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, and financial support. The economic divide between rural and urban areas remains wide, and women and vulnerable groups are often excluded from the full benefits of economic growth. Governance systems are still transitioning from traditional approaches to data-driven decision-making, and bureaucratic inefficiencies present barriers. AI technologies have begun to impact, mainly in isolated sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and some public service initiatives. Still, these implementations are yet to be scaled broadly across the country. The application of AI in policymaking and economic inclusion is promising, but it requires a concerted push to move beyond pilot projects to systemic adoption.

In the mid-term, we can expect to see AI playing a significantly larger role in Morocco’s governance and economic sectors as digital transformation initiatives mature. By 2030, Morocco is likely to see increased investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas, which will be critical for enabling equitable access to AI-driven services. Through partnerships with international organizations and private sector initiatives, connectivity gaps will begin to close, allowing rural communities to benefit from AI in education, healthcare, and financial inclusion. AI will be increasingly utilized in public services, with predictive analytics helping government agencies anticipate social issues, allocate resources efficiently, and deliver services more effectively. For example, AI could be used to predict healthcare needs in remote regions and optimize resource distribution, thereby reducing inequalities in healthcare access. Social programs will become more targeted and data-driven, with AI enabling the identification of vulnerable populations through sophisticated data analysis, allowing for more precise interventions and support. This will help improve the effectiveness of social welfare programs and promote better targeting of subsidies and financial aid.

AI will also support a growing digital entrepreneurship ecosystem. By offering AI-based platforms that assist in market analysis, financing, and business operations, Morocco will likely see a rise in startups, especially those led by young people and women. This shift will drive economic inclusion and reduce the rural-urban divide in economic opportunities. However, these advancements will depend heavily on the government’s commitment to investing in AI literacy, improving education systems, and building digital skills across the population. Additionally, a robust legal framework will be essential to ensure ethical AI deployment that protects citizens' rights and prevents biases.

Looking further into the long-term future, by 2040, Morocco could emerge as a regional leader in utilizing AI for inclusive growth and good governance, with several notable transformations. AI will become an integral part of policymaking, with algorithms assisting in formulating evidence-based policies that consider the needs of different social groups. AI-driven simulations could project the socio-economic impact of policy decisions before implementation, allowing for adjustments to maximize inclusion and minimize adverse effects on vulnerable populations. AI will play a crucial role in transforming Moroccan cities into smart cities, where real-time data helps optimize public transportation, energy consumption, and waste management. Rural areas will benefit from integrated solutions that close the development gap with urban centres, such as AI-driven precision agriculture and climate adaptation initiatives that enhance rural livelihoods.

AI will enhance transparency and accountability in governance. By implementing AI-driven monitoring systems, the government can reduce corruption and ensure efficient resource utilization. Blockchain combined with AI may be used to create transparent records of public spending and social program outcomes, which will boost public trust and citizen engagement. AI will also drive inclusive economic growth by creating new job sectors and opportunities for re-skilling. Automated systems will handle repetitive tasks, while human workers will be empowered to focus on roles that require creativity, empathy, and complex decision-making. This will necessitate a significant investment in education and workforce retraining, which could be facilitated through AI-powered learning platforms that offer personalized and accessible learning pathways. AI's role in combating climate change will become more prominent. AI models will provide insights for sustainable water management, renewable energy optimization, and early warning systems for climate-related disasters, enhancing the country’s resilience. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable areas, such as Morocco’s arid zones, which are most at risk from climate change impacts.

For these projections to materialize, Morocco will need to address several challenges. There is a need to enhance digital literacy across all segments of society, including vulnerable and rural populations, to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to everyone. Establishing a comprehensive legal and ethical framework for AI use will be critical. It must address issues of privacy, data security, and the prevention of algorithmic bias, ensuring that AI deployment is fair and transparent. Collaboration between the public sector, private sector, civil society, and international partners will be key to accelerating AI adoption in a way that benefits all citizens.

AI presents Morocco with an unprecedented opportunity to tackle long-standing issues of social and economic inclusion. In the mid-term, investments in digital infrastructure and AI literacy will lay the foundation for more inclusive public services and economic growth. In the long term, AI has the potential to reshape governance and integrate marginalized communities into the socio-economic fabric, fostering a future where every Moroccan can contribute to and benefit from national prosperity. Achieving this vision will require strategic planning, ethical consideration, and continuous collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment, not division.