“Industry 4.0 represents the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by the integration of advanced technologies into production processes to create smart factories and highly efficient production systems. This concept encompasses a variety of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, advanced robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and cyber security,” underlines the study which generally focuses on opportunities and challenges of digitalization in Morocco. Among the most notable trends in Industry 4.0 in Morocco is the growth of cloud services, whose demand is expected to grow annually by 15%, adds the study prepared by Julia Garcia Lopez-Herrero. The market value of the cloud could reach 7 billion dirhams (around 700 million USD) by 2027 in Morocco and 18,000 MUSD in 2028 on the African continent, predicts the same source. Additionally, the study continues, the adoption of industrial robots is booming, driven by foreign investment and the need to improve efficiency in the manufacturing and automotive industries. The report also estimates that the implementation of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data technologies is increasingly common in sectors such as banking, telecommunications and healthcare, in order to optimize processes and improve decision-making. Cyber security has become a priority due to increasing digitalization, which is driving demand for advanced security solutions, it is emphasized. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is also gaining ground in the production of components for the automotive and aerospace industries. Local and multinational companies are investing in this technology to reduce costs and improve production flexibility, the study says, highlighting that the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and data analytics optimizes the supply chain in the textile sector. Deployment of 5G: Morocco in an advanced phase On the other hand, with regard to the telecommunications sector, Morocco is in an advanced phase of preparation for the deployment of 5G technology. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) is leading efforts to allocate the necessary frequency bands and the first frequency auctions should take place this year, we still read in the said report. The main telecommunications companies – Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc and Inwi – have successfully carried out pilot tests and are ready to deploy their 5G networks once the tender process is completed, adds the same source. Regarding the market distribution between local production and imports, local production in Morocco focuses on the manufacturing of electronic components, the assembly of IoT devices and the development of software. Local companies like Maroc Telecom and technology startups play a leading role in the production and development of digital solutions. However, the study continues, a large part of advanced equipment and technologies, such as industrial robots, IoT and cyber security equipment, is imported. Among the main suppliers: China, the United States, Germany and Spain. Market opportunities Another element raised in this OECER study: Industry 4.0 in Morocco presents significant opportunities for Spanish companies. The Moroccan government has developed a road map for support the development of Digital. This strategy is structured around four main axes. The first focuses on improving connectivity through the expansion of broadband and the deployment of the 5G network. This is a way to reduce the digital divide and improve the productivity of Moroccan companies. The second axis relates to the implementation of advanced technologies to improve the quality and management of the Health and Education sectors. The third axis focuses on the promotion of mobile payments for the distribution of social assistance, by promoting financial inclusion and the use of electronic payment, as part of Bank Al-Maghrib’s (BAM) objective of improving financial education. Finally, the fourth axis consists of generalizing digital public services to “bring the government to citizens, thus improving administrative efficiency and transparency”.
