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Who’s Got Game? Morocco’s USD 36M Bid to Lead Africa’s Gaming Scene

Who’s Got Game? Morocco’s USD 36M Bid to Lead Africa’s Gaming Scene
Image Source: Techpoint Africa
  • Morocco is investing USD 36M to establish Rabat as a North African gaming hub.
  • This investment supports startups and new talent, aiming to boost Morocco’s tech and gaming economy.
  • By focusing on gaming, Morocco positions itself to attract international interest and job creation in tech.

High-Stakes Play to Dominate Gaming Scene

Morocco’s dropping a cool USD 36M to make Rabat a hotspot for gaming, startups, and digital tech in North Africa.

It’s more than an investment; it’s a big-picture strategy to position Morocco at the top of Africa’s digital map.

This push goes hand-in-hand with Rabat’s inaugural Morocco Gaming Expo. The event attracted gaming enthusiasts, developers, and investors to show off what the region’s got in the works​.

The government’s vision goes beyond just flashy events and workshops.

They’re crafting an entire ecosystem designed to foster innovation, especially within startups focused on game development and digital arts.

“Morocco is committed to creating a sustainable gaming ecosystem,” said Mehdi Bensaïd, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

This move places Morocco among the first in North Africa to make gaming a priority, aligning perfectly with a wave of tech and startup investments already pouring into the continent​.

Building a Hub for Africa’s Gaming Startups

The plan isn’t just to attract established players but also to give up-and-coming startups a launchpad in the industry.

Morocco’s initiative includes funding for high-tech facilities, skill-building programs with local universities, and networking support to help startups scale fast.

This means young Moroccan developers and entrepreneurs can have a pathway into the global gaming market without leaving home.

Local talent and international collaboration are both high on the list.

The power play rests on three fundamental pillars:

  • Infrastructure Boost: New facilities will support everything from game design to content creation.
  • Talent Pipeline: Partnerships with universities will train the next generation of gaming professionals.
  • Startup Support: A focus on startups creates accessible entry points for new businesses in gaming.

Riding the Global Trend to Lead the Region

Here’s why this matters beyond Morocco: the gaming industry is booming across the globe, and Morocco’s move aligns with a growing trend in Africa toward tech and digital media.

Morocco’s move syncs up with global trends, as Africa’s gaming industry is projected to grow over 12% annually through 2026.

By backing startups, Morocco’s bid also matches the government’s broader push for tech innovation and economic diversity under the national Vision 2030 plan.

This bold initiative could inspire other North African nations to make their own plays for tech-driven economies, while local startups gain a foothold in a booming market.

With USD 36M on the line, Morocco’s putting its chips on the table and playing to win.

This isn’t just a game; it’s a move to dominate a market and make sure everyone knows North Africa’s got game.

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