Morocco Advances AI in Transport with New Research Partnerships
Rabat – Morocco is taking a strategic step toward incorporating AI deeper into its transport systems.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics signed three tailored agreements with the Foundation for Research, Development and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI), with the presence of Minister of Transport Abdessamad Kayouh and Royal Advisor André Azoulay.
The ceremony, held in Rabat, signaled a clear intent to turn Morocco's transport, airport, and logistics infrastructure into a testing ground for homegrown innovation.
These agreements follow a broader framework established in June 2024 between the ministry and FRDISI that reflects a long-term vision to bolster the role of scientific research in vital sectors.
Each agreement serves a specific goal. The first, between FRDISI and the National Railway Operator (ONCF), lays the groundwork for integrating AI into the management of intermodal transport. It also includes plans to automate how surface defects are identified on high-speed trains, an effort that could raise safety and efficiency on the country's rail network.
The second agreement connects FRDISI with the National Airports Office (ONDA). It centers on enhancing cognitive performance in air traffic operations, a move designed to sharpen vigilance and reinforce safety. The project also includes the development of a real-time mobile application to ease passenger flows inside Moroccan airports.
The third partnership, between FRDISI and the National Company of Transport and Logistics (SNTL), introduces machine learning to fleet management. The goal is to improve vehicle maintenance and performance through data-driven insights.
Read also: Morocco Revamps Transport Sector with New Safety and Service Quality Standards
Kayouh described the initiative as part of Morocco's broader ambition to promote innovation in key economic areas. He also noted that FRDISI, with over 40 inventions to its name, would provide valuable support to national efforts to stay ahead of global developments.
He also underlined the importance of empowering Moroccan researchers and engineers to design solutions tailored to the country's needs, rather than relying on imported technologies that may not always fit local realities.
For André Azoulay, the moment represents a meaningful change. He called the agreements 'a turning point,' adding that they allow FRDISI's network of top-tier scientists to work directly with public institutions on strategic projects.
With its public utility status, FRDISI stands at the crossroads of research, training, and industrial development. It also supports the innovation ecosystem through startup incubation, collaborative projects, and the launch of new small enterprises.
This move aligns with Morocco's broader development goals, which place innovation and self-reliance at the core of national progress.
As the country prepares to co-host major international events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the integration of advanced technologies into transport and logistics is expected to play a key role in ensuring efficiency, safety, and global readiness.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Double License Plates Required for Moroccans Driving Abroad
Rabat — The National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) has announced that Moroccan drivers planning to travel abroad with their vehicles must have double registration plates. In a statement released this Sunday, NARSA reminded motorists ahead of the busy summer holiday season that they must follow existing regulations outlined in Article 28 of ministerial decree No. 2711.10. According to the agency, vehicles registered in Morocco need to meet international standards by displaying an additional license plate with Latin characters that correspond to the Arabic letters on the local plate. This extra plate must also include the country code 'MA.' This new requirement aligns Morocco with international vehicle registration standards, established under conventions such as the Vienna and Geneva Conventions on Road Traffic, to which Morocco is a signing body. These conventions require vehicles traveling internationally to display registration numbers in Latin characters and a country identification code, facilitating cross-border travel worldwide. Complying with this measure can help the thousands of Moroccan drivers who travel to neighboring countries each year enjoy smoother border crossings and avoid costly complications—especially during peak travel seasons, when delays and vehicle inspections are more frequent.
Morocco World
6 hours ago
- Morocco World
Wego, ONMT Launch Campaign to Boost Summer Tourism to Morocco Across MENA
Rabat – Wego, the largest online travel platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) to launch a campaign encouraging travelers from across the region to visit Morocco this summer. The partnership aims to 'inspire a new wave of travel to Morocco, focusing on the country's vibrant cities, coastal escapes, and natural landscapes,' said Wego in a press release today. The company emphasized Morocco's tourism potential and the rich mix of experiences it offers travelers. 'Whether it's discovering the colorful streets of Chefchaouen, relaxing along the beaches of Agadir, or exploring the highland trails of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers a diverse getaway that caters to a wide range of travel interests,' Wego added. The campaign will spotlight Morocco's unique mix of tradition and modern fun. It will feature local markets, historic buildings, and art scenes in cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez. Travelers will also be able to enjoy detailed guides, influencer content, and online promotions to help them plan their summer vacation to the North African country. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said they are excited to work with ONMT and introduce their users to the 'richness Morocco has to offer.' 'Our goal is to make it easier for travelers to find meaningful experiences whether they're looking for adventure, history, or relaxation—through curated content and seamless travel planning,' Hmidan added. Meanwhile, Rachid Hamzaoui, Director for the Middle East and Asia at ONMT, said the campaign will help travelers from the Gulf and other parts of MENA discover Morocco more easily. 'With Wego's platform offering real-time comparisons and travel inspiration, discovering Morocco has never been more convenient,' Hamzaoui said. Food lovers are in for a treat too, Wego says, as the campaign will include guides to traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous, harira soup, and pastilla. Travelers will also be able to learn where to enjoy street food or dine on rooftops with amazing views. Coastal towns such as Essaouira and El Jadida will also be in the spotlight. The Moroccan tourism office has been stepping up its efforts to position Morocco as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. In recent months, ONMT has focused on expanding Morocco's reach in key international markets, including China, where it has launched initiatives to attract more Chinese tourists. ONMT has launched similar campaigns targeting different regions to showcase Morocco's unique mix of culture, nature, and hospitality. Tags: MENAONMTTourismwego
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Morocco World
French Equality Minister Aurore Bergé Begins Three-Day Morocco Visit
Marrakech – French Minister for Equality Aurore Bergé arrives in Morocco today for a three-day official visit focused on bilateral cooperation in women's rights and gender equality. The visit, taking place from June 23-25, builds on the strategic partnership King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron launched in October 2024. In Rabat, Bergé will meet with Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui and her counterpart Naïma Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family. The ministers are expected to sign a joint declaration to strengthen Franco-Moroccan cooperation in preventing violence against women. Bergé's agenda includes discussions with key Moroccan officials, including Amina Bouayach, president of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Mbarka Bouaida, president of the Association of Moroccan Regions, Ahmed Abbadi, secretary general of the Rabita of Ulema, and royal advisor André Azoulay. Women's economic empowerment stands as a central focus of the visit. Bergé will tour the Safran Nacelles industrial site in Nouaceur near Casablanca and visit the Aeronautics Trades Institute to discuss women's training and their role in Morocco's economy. In Marrakech, the minister will explore social structures, including the Lalla Amina center for children without families, and visit facilities dedicated to women's economic empowerment. She will also evaluate field projects supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), including the 'Ajyal Equality' program, which works to support women victims of violence. A key diplomatic development expected during the visit is Morocco's planned inclusion among the group of states promoting feminist diplomacy. This move precedes an international conference on feminist diplomacy scheduled for October in Paris. Throughout her trip, Bergé will meet with the French community in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, which represents the largest foreign community in Morocco with over 50,000 citizens. The visit marks another layer in the Rabat-Paris bilateral relations, elevating gender equality from symbolic intentions to a foundation for strategic cooperation across economic, social, and diplomatic spheres. It follows France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July 2024, and subsequent visits by French officials to Morocco's southern provinces, including Culture Minister Rachida Dati, French Senate President Gérard Larcher, AFD Director General Remy Rioux, among many others. Read also: King Mohammed VI May Visit France in Late 2025 or Early 2026 Tags: Morocco France Relations
