Morocco Launches Ambitious Video-Game Industry Initiative to Boost Jobs and Economic Diversification

Date: July 3, 2025RABAT, Morocco – In a bold move to diversify its economy and harness the potential of its tech-savvy youth, Morocco has launched an ambitious initiative to build a homegrown video-game industry. The government is spearheading the effort by establishing a state-of-the-art gaming developer hub in the capital, Rabat, investing heavily in coder training programs, and promoting the sector through the Morocco Gaming Expo. This multifaceted strategy aims to create thousands of jobs, attract international investment, and position Morocco as a regional leader in the global gaming market, projected to reach $350 billion by 2027.Rabat Gaming City: The Heart of Morocco’s Gaming VisionAt the core of this initiative is “Rabat Gaming City,” a $36-million industrial park designed to serve as a hub for game development and esports. Located in Rabat, the complex will feature training facilities, co-working spaces, and full-scale production studios to support both local startups and international companies. The government envisions the hub as a catalyst for economic growth, with Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, projecting it could generate up to 5,000 jobs and 5 billion dirhams ($500 million) in revenue by 2030.

“Rabat Gaming City is not just about infrastructure; it’s about creating an ecosystem where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship thrive,” Bensaid said during the second edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo, held from July 2-6, 2025. The hub is part of a broader strategy to transition Morocco from a gaming consumer to a producer, leveraging the country’s pool of qualified engineers and coders.

Training the Next Generation of Game DevelopersTo build a skilled workforce, Morocco is rolling out comprehensive training programs in game design, programming, and virtual reality. A flagship initiative, the “Video Game Creator” program, launched on January 6, 2025, at the International University of Rabat, will train 40 young Moroccans in partnership with ISART DIGITAL, a top-tier French video-game school. Tuition fees are fully covered to ensure accessibility, and workstations are provided to participants, reducing social and territorial disparities.

Additional programs, such as the “Video Game Incubator,” support nine Moroccan startups with mentorship, resources, and international exposure over seven months. Launched in March 2025 with backing from the French Embassy, the incubator equips entrepreneurs with skills in pre-production, branding, and financial strategy, aiming to position Moroccan games on the global stage.

Fadwa Bezzazi, coordinator of Université Mohammed V’s computer science and virtual reality club, emphasized the appeal for students: “This industry offers a chance to turn passion into a career. The future is already here, and our students are eager to apply their skills in game development.”

Morocco Gaming Expo: Showcasing Talent and Attracting InvestmentThe Morocco Gaming Expo, now in its second year, has become a cornerstone of the government’s promotional efforts. Held from July 2-6, 2025, at the Palais des Sports in Rabat, the event drew over 45,000 visitors, including developers, students, and tech companies from countries like France, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Attendees tested new games, competed in esports tournaments featuring titles like Valorant and EA SPORTS FC 25, and explored immersive virtual reality experiences.

The expo also served as a platform for announcing strategic partnerships, such as a collaboration with Huawei, which signed agreements with five Moroccan startups. “This event showcases Morocco’s potential as a gaming destination,” said Nabil Ouchagour, Director of Huawei Morocco. “We’re committed to nurturing local talent and driving innovation.”

Conferences and masterclasses at the expo addressed industry trends, including the role of artificial intelligence in game development. Salaheddine Fellani, co-founder of the Alkhariqun gaming collective, urged developers to embrace AI as a tool: “We must learn to use it to assist us, not replace us.”

Economic Diversification and Job CreationMorocco’s gaming initiative is driven by a pressing need to address youth unemployment, which hovers near 30%, and reduce reliance on traditional sectors like agriculture, tourism, and phosphate exports. With over 3 million avid gamers and 15 million casual players, Morocco is already Africa’s largest gaming consumer, generating $500 million annually from game sales. The government aims to double this revenue by 2030 while creating diverse career opportunities.

“The objective is not only to generate revenue but to empower youth,” Bensaid said. “We must offer real alternatives to our young people by opening up new career paths in tech-driven fields.”

The initiative has garnered international attention, with investors like China’s Century Huatong praising Morocco’s infrastructure and strategic position as a gateway to African markets. A Chinese company has already committed to establishing a base in Casablanca, signaling confidence in Morocco’s vision.

A Cultural and Creative RenaissanceBeyond economics, the government is encouraging developers to create games rooted in Moroccan culture. Projects like “Threads of Time,” a storytelling-based game showcased at the expo, highlight the country’s heritage. “We’re working to create games that represent our Moroccan identity,” said Houria Kelkoul, Vice Dean at University Ibn Tofail.

Strategic partnerships, particularly with France, underscore the cultural dimension. A Morocco-France agreement signed in October 2024, endorsed by King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron, has bolstered cooperation in creative industries, with France providing expertise and support for training and incubation programs.

Challenges and the Road AheadDespite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. Developing a competitive gaming industry requires significant investment, with game production costs often exceeding $100 million. Attracting major players like Ubisoft will be critical, as will navigating regulatory frameworks around content and social impact.

Morocco’s strategy—built on infrastructure, training, incubation, and promotion—aims to address these hurdles. The government plans to expand the Rabat model to Casablanca if successful, and the 2025 Finance Bill allocates 360 million dirhams to support the sector.

A New Era for MoroccoAs Rabat Gaming City takes shape and the Morocco Gaming Expo gains global traction, Morocco is positioning itself as a pioneer in Africa’s gaming industry. By fostering local talent, attracting international partners, and embedding cultural identity into its games, the kingdom is not just playing to win—it’s rewriting the rules of the game.“This is a very beautiful story being written with significant cultural and economic stakes,” said Agnès Humruzian, Cooperation and Cultural Action Advisor at the French Embassy in Rabat. With its bold vision, Morocco is pressing “start” on a transformative journey to become a gaming powerhouse.