Experts push AI and mobility investment strategy in Rabat region

Tuesday 12 May 2026 - 09:23

By: Dakir Madiha

Experts push AI and mobility investment strategy in Rabat region

Industry leaders and policy experts meeting in Rabat said data management, artificial intelligence and industrial cooperation will play a decisive role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility in Morocco. The discussions took place during the “RSK Connect: Territorial Dynamics and Investment Opportunities in Sustainable Mobility” conference organized by the Policy Center for the New South and the Regional Investment Center of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra.

The event gathered investors, public officials and industrial executives as Morocco continues expanding its position as one of Africa’s leading automotive manufacturing hubs. Discussions extended beyond vehicle production and focused on digital transformation, industrial integration and the development of future mobility technologies linked to electric transport and smart manufacturing systems.

Among the participants was Roos Claeyssens, who argued that Morocco has reached a critical stage in its industrial development where better coordination of data could accelerate growth across sectors and regions. She said Morocco has the opportunity to build integrated industrial systems from the beginning rather than repeating fragmented development models seen in other countries. According to her, structured data sharing can improve industrial efficiency, speed up decision making and create stronger links between institutions, companies and regional ecosystems.

Claeyssens described artificial intelligence as a tool designed to strengthen human capabilities rather than replace workers. She referred to AI as “augmented intelligence” that can improve industrial precision and reduce development time by relying on existing databases and accumulated knowledge. She also pointed to China’s industrial digitization model as an example of how data integration can support faster industrial scaling and technological competitiveness.

Morocco has invested heavily in industrial modernization over the past two decades and has built one of the continent’s largest automotive sectors through partnerships with international manufacturers such as Stellantis and Renault Group. The country is now positioning itself within higher value industries tied to electric mobility, battery production and advanced manufacturing technologies as global demand for cleaner transport systems continues to rise.

Another key speaker, Khalid Qalam, outlined Morocco’s growing role in the electric vehicle battery supply chain. He said the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region offers strong industrial advantages for investors and described his company’s project as one of the most significant investments launched in Morocco in recent years. The investment is linked to the broader expansion strategy of Chinese battery producer Gotion High-Tech, which is increasing its presence in Morocco as part of the country’s ambition to become a regional center for battery manufacturing and electric vehicle production.

Panel discussions also stressed the importance of direct cooperation between industrial actors, universities and investors. Participants argued that innovation depends on physical interaction and knowledge exchange between sectors. Morocco’s geographic position, free trade agreements, renewable energy strategy and phosphate reserves continue to strengthen its attractiveness for international companies seeking alternatives in electric mobility supply chains.

The conference reflected Morocco’s broader industrial strategy to move beyond traditional manufacturing and establish itself in sectors linked to electric vehicles, batteries, artificial intelligence and smart industrial systems. Officials and investors at the event said the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region could become one of the country’s leading centers for sustainable mobility development in the coming years.