The North Africa Internet Governance Forum (NAIGF'26) is being held in Rabat, Morocco, from November 9 to 13. The event brings together representatives of governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and the technical community to discuss the future of the Internet and digital policies in the region. The forum focuses on Internet governance and the rapid changes shaping the digital environment, including the development of artificial intelligence (AI), digital services, and regulatory frameworks.
The program includes two main activities: the North Africa School on Internet Governance (NASIG'26) and the 10th edition of NAIGF. The school aims to provide participants with knowledge and a better understanding of Internet governance, while the regional forum offers a platform for discussions on digital policies and cooperation. Internet governance covers a wide range of issues, including data protection, cybersecurity, access to digital services, online rights, and the rules governing emerging technologies.
The forum provides an opportunity for different stakeholders to exchange views and discuss how these issues affect countries across North Africa. The event comes as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of discussions about digital policy and economic development. Governments are facing growing pressure to establish rules that encourage innovation while addressing concerns about privacy, security, misinformation, and the responsible use of technology.
Morocco is seeking to strengthen its position in the digital sector through its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy and the national AI 2030 roadmap. The AI roadmap aims to generate MAD 100 billion in additional gross domestic product by 2030, create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, and train and certify 200,000 people in artificial intelligence. The roadmap was presented in September, and the country is taking steps to implement it.
Morocco's growing focus on artificial intelligence took an institutional step with the creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform in October 2026. Ahmed Rahhou was appointed to lead the new ministry, making Morocco one of the countries to give artificial intelligence an explicit ministerial portfolio. This move highlights the country's commitment to developing its AI sector.
NAIGF is part of the network of national and regional Internet Governance Forum initiatives linked to the United Nations-supported global IGF. The network provides spaces for discussions on Internet-related public policies at regional and national levels. The Rabat gathering will provide a regional opportunity to discuss how North African countries can respond to changes in the digital sector and strengthen cooperation on shared challenges.
The forum will enable stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth of AI and digital technologies in the region. Key issues to be addressed include data protection, cybersecurity, and access to digital services. The outcome of the forum is expected to contribute to the development of effective digital policies and strategies in North Africa.
Key points
- Morocco hosts 10th edition of North Africa Internet Governance Forum to discuss digital policies and AI growth.
- The forum aims to strengthen cooperation on digital policies across North Africa.
- Morocco's Digital Morocco 2030 strategy and national AI 2030 roadmap aim to generate MAD 100 billion in additional gross domestic product by 2030.
