The Moroccan government has prioritized digital technology as a cornerstone of the country's socioeconomic development. In addition to investing in infrastructure, the administration is committed to equipping the population with the necessary digital skills to achieve these goals.

Morocco will open a new school specializing in programming and coding in the Fès-Meknès region, the government said Friday. An agreement to establish the "YouCode Fès" school was signed under the leadership of Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.

"Under this agreement, the ‘YouCode Fès’ school will offer a two-year training program in information technology and digital fields. Each cohort will welcome 80 students, contributing to the expansion of employment opportunities in the digital sector within the region and improving young people’s employability in tech-related professions," the ministry said in a Facebook announcement.

The initiative aligns with Morocco’s Digital Maroc 2030 strategy, which aims to develop a high-quality talent pool in the digital sector. The government's long-term goal is to enhance its outsourcing and digital export hub. By 2030, the country aims to increase employment in the sector to 270,000 jobs, up from 130,000 in 2022. Rabat is also targeting digital export revenues of 40 billion Algerian dinars ($296.13 million) by 2030, compared to 15.8 billion dinars in 2022.

According to the World Bank, nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. While Morocco is not part of this region, the trend highlights the critical role of digital training in Africa’s technological transformation.

The timeline for the new school’s launch has not been announced. Similar programs may be expanded to other regions. YouCode already operates campuses in Safi and Youssoufia (Marrakech-Safi region) and in Nador (Oriental region).

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji