In his address at the high-level panel of the 4th GITEX Africa Morocco 2026, Hilale noted that artificial intelligence is now a true lever of power that impacts economic competitiveness, national security, and geopolitical balances.
Discussing the dynamics of the AI market, the ambassador noted that while the global market is projected to reach five trillion dollars by 2033, Africa accounts for only 2.5% of the market and attracts barely 1.5% of investments, with only 17 national frameworks adopted to date. He further added that 89% of African countries remain outside major international initiatives.
In light of this reality, Hilale emphasized the now strategic importance of coherent and equitable international cooperation, noting in this regard UN’s efforts, as evidenced by the adoption of the Global Digital Compact in 2024, the creation of the International Scientific Panel, and the launch of the Global Dialogue on AI scheduled for July 2026.
However, he noted that progress on these efforts is proceeding at a pace dictated by diverging interests among States.
At the same time, the analysis was expanded to include regional initiatives, notably those in Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and New Delhi, which have shaped the international discussion. The need for genuine coordination among these mechanisms was highlighted to prevent fragmented approaches.
In this context, Hilale proposed five guidelines to structure more coherent and solidarity-based cooperation: rethinking multilateralism by better aligning the UN with regional initiatives, preventing lasting fragmentation through minimal interoperability of regulatory frameworks, turning inclusion into a concrete reality, moving from principles to operational actions, and making AI a true lever for development.
Regarding Morocco’s positioning, the diplomat highlighted the Kingdom’s strengths in serving as a bridge between the African agenda, global governance, and technological investment. This trajectory is underpinned in particular by its national roadmap, “AI Made in Morocco,” which aims to transform the national industry into a source of continental soft power, in accordance with His Majesty the King’s High Vision.
In this context, the ambassador presented Marrakech as a platform capable of hosting and shaping this ambition, in line with the momentum driven by GITEX Africa. He also proposed a concrete action plan focused on consolidating the national industry, developing an African hub for AI certification and trust tailored to the African context, establishing a permanent framework for continental coordination, and promoting discussion within the UN on the role of AI in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Hilale concluded by emphasizing that Morocco has everything to gain by shifting from a mindset of participation to one of active contribution, building on its proven model of South-South and triangular cooperation.
