Introduction

Morocco has made significant progress in the digital domain in recent years. With increasing investments in telecommunications infrastructure, access to high-speed internet has become more widespread across the country. For example, the National Plan for Telecommunications Infrastructure Development has improved network coverage and quality, thus facilitating access to digital services for a large portion of the population (Ministry of Industry, Trade, and the Green and Digital Economy, 2021). Additionally, the Moroccan government has implemented various programs aimed at promoting digital inclusion and encouraging the adoption of information and communication technologies. Among these initiatives is the "Maroc Digital 2020" program, which aims to enhance the digital capabilities of citizens and businesses, as well as improve e-government (Mohammed, 2023).

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) is also experiencing considerable growth in Morocco, with applications in areas such as image processing, voice recognition, and text processing (Jeldi, 2022). Al technologies are used in license plate recognition radars, traffic management cameras, satellite imagery for agriculture, public transportation organization, and facial recognition in airports. For example, intelligent radars used for license plate recognition enable more efficient traffic management and contribute to road safety.

However, the development of Al raises significant issues in terms of human rights and ethics, particularly concerning transparency, accountability, privacy, and algorithmic biases (INPPLC, 2022). Morocco must pave the way for Al adoption by building skills, establishing appropriate legal frameworks, and ensuring users' digital trust (Jeldi, 2022). Data protection, in particular, is a major concern, and efforts must be made to align Moroccan practices with international standards such as the GDPR in Europe (CNDP, 2016). Additionally, it is essential to raise public. awareness about the benefits and risks of Al to ensure informed and responsible adoption.
Using an analytical methodology, this article will begin by tracing the evolution of digitalization in Morocco, then delve into Morocco's global positioning in the field of Al, focusing on pioneering Al projects in various sectors, and finally, dissect the challenges and issues related to artificial intelligence in the Moroccan context.

1. Evolution of the Digital Landscape in Morocco

Over the past decades, Morocco has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to positioning itself as a leader in information and communication technologies in Africa. Initiated in 1995 with the liberalization of internet access, this ambition has translated into a series of reforms and strategic programs aimed at modernizing technological infrastructure and fostering digital innovation (Rabhi and Belfhaili, 2023). From the introduction of the first connectivity policies to the establishment of dedicated institutional frameworks such as the Digital Development Agency,

each significant step in this evolution reflects Morocco's commitment to inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. This document traces the chronological evolution of major digital initiatives in Morocco, highlighting the kingdom's continuous efforts to integrate digital technologies into all aspects of society and the economy.