Marrakech, Morocco – April 16, 2025
The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform of the Kingdom of Morocco, Elm Company — a pioneer of digital solutions— and the Digital Development Agency (ADD) have renewed their tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of digital transformation and the exchange of expertise and knowledge. The signing took place on the sidelines of GITEX Africa 2025, held in the city of Marrakech.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform; Hakeem A Alrasheed, General Manager of International Services at Elm; and Sidi Mohamed Idrissi Meliani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency. The agreement reflects the depth of this strategic partnership and its aspirations for a more integrated and innovative digital future.
This renewed agreement builds upon the previous MoU signed between Elm and the Digital Development Agency in June 2023, which resulted in tangible cooperation in the areas of innovation, technology, and knowledge transfer. The new MoU expands the scope to include the direct involvement of the Ministry, reinforcing the strategic dimension of the partnership. The agreement is set to last for two years, underscoring the parties' shared commitment to institutionalizing sustainable collaboration in support of Morocco's national digital transformation agenda.
The MoU marks a significant step forward in advancing technical cooperation between the signing parties. It paves the way for a new phase of practical collaboration focused on accelerating digital transformation in both public and private sectors, modernizing e-government services, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving the citizen experience in line with evolving digital expectations.
The cooperation framework also includes support for Morocco's entrepreneurship ecosystem through the identification, mentorship, and enablement of selected Moroccan startups, with the goal of integrating them into advanced digital environments that foster growth and competitiveness in local and regional markets.
In addition, the MoU outlines a joint effort to assess and implement Morocco's national digital transformation strategy by developing a comprehensive roadmap for the short and long term. This roadmap will be based on successful regional benchmarks and tailored to the specific needs of the Moroccan digital landscape, with a strong emphasis on digital governance and impact measurement to ensure effective implementation and sustainable outcomes.
Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, emphasized that the renewal of this agreement represents a strategic milestone in Morocco's digital journey and reflects the country's commitment to building high-impact partnerships rooted in knowledge sharing and the exchange of proven experiences. She stated:
"This renewed agreement strengthens a foundational pillar of our national digital transformation program. It reflects our firm belief in the value of leveraging leading international experiences and partnerships that are grounded in knowledge exchange and practical expertise. We rely on this collaboration to accelerate Morocco's digital transformation and enhance our capacity to deliver more advanced and efficient public services."
Sidi Mohamed Idrissi Meliani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, added:
"This renewal follows the success of the previous MoU signed in 2023, which laid the groundwork for fruitful cooperation in digital transformation, technological innovation, and knowledge exchange. It represents an opportunity to deepen collaboration across key areas, and it provides targeted support to Moroccan startups through joint initiatives in mentoring, capacity building, and investment, while also opening the door to large-scale strategic projects."
For his part, Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, Official Spokesperson and Executive Vice President of Marketing at Elm, commented:
"At Elm, we believe that true digital transformation begins with building partnerships founded on trust and shared ambition. Our collaboration today with the Ministry of Digital Transition and the Digital Development Agency reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing the expertise and insights that have successfully empowered governments and driven meaningful development. Through this MoU, we aim to deliver lasting value to the Moroccan society and contribute to shaping a prosperous digital future defined by innovation and integration."
As part of this trilateral cooperation, the parties are working to foster an institutional environment that supports knowledge transfer and capacity building through specialized consultancy initiatives and targeted development programs. This approach is a cornerstone of long-term digital sustainability and aims to equip a new generation of professionals with the skills needed to lead Morocco's digital evolution with impact and innovation.