My AI Adventure in Casablanca, Morocco 🇲🇦

I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Casablanca, Morocco, for the Microsoft AI Tour. Not only was this my first time in this beautiful country, but it was also a fantastic experience that I'm excited to share with you. I took the keynote stage and shared our latest AI enhancements for developers in Azure AI Platform and GitHub Copilot.

I also had the pleasure of sitting down with Mohamed Maiku, the COO and CMO of Microsoft’s Central Europe, Middle East and Africa. We had an insightful conversation about the tour, the potential of AI, and the amazing energy we've experienced here.

The Energy of Morocco

Let me tell you, the energy here is absolutely amazing! Morocco's tech scene is experiencing significant growth and transformation. The country aims to position itself as a strategic hub for technology and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa region. In recent years, Morocco has seen a 50% increase in the number of startups, attracting around $100 million in investment over the past two years. The government has launched several initiatives to support the startup ecosystem, including tax incentives and grants.

Key sectors driving Morocco's tech scene include e-commerce, fintech, renewable energy, and agtech. The country's IT services market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 10.3%, potentially reaching $550 million by 2018. Major tech hubs are concentrated in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, with Technopark being a pioneer in providing workspace and support for startups

However, challenges remain, such as disparities in access to computer technologies and a relatively low network readiness index. Despite these obstacles, Morocco is actively working on digital transformation strategies, including the "Maroc Digital 2030" initiative, which aims to create 300,000 jobs in the digital sector by 2030 and boost the national GDP by up to MAD 170 billion (USD 16.9 billion)

Here is my entire discussion with Mohamed, with some highlights below.

The Power of Developer Engagement

During my chat with Mohamed, we talked about the incredible potential for developers in both Asia and Africa. It’s clear that these regions are brimming with talent, and I truly believe they will drive the next wave of AI innovation. After all, developers are the builders, and it’s exciting to see so many of them gathered here, ready to learn and contribute.

AI as a Copilot

We also had a great discussion about the role of AI. At Microsoft, we see AI not as a replacement but as a "copilot," something that augments our skills and helps us achieve more. It's about using these tools to make our everyday lives, both personally and professionally, more efficient. I even shared how I use GitHub Copilot to help with coding and development tasks, making me more productive and allowing me to focus on the bigger picture.

Monetizing AI: It's All About the Experience

One of the key points we touched upon was the monetization of AI. This isn't just about the technology itself but about creating truly seamless and intuitive user experiences. For instance, think of how AI can help a customer easily find a pair of shoes online by taking into account their preferences. By focusing on a more curated user experience, we can truly empower businesses to leverage AI in a meaningful way.

The Importance of a Powerful Infrastructure

In our conversation, I broke down the different layers of the infrastructure required for robust AI development. This includes GPUs for training models, the models themselves, and the deployment using something like Azure, as well as security and networking. It’s like having all the necessary tools and resources in one place, allowing developers to bring their ideas to life more efficiently.

A Call to Developers

I believe the future of AI depends on how we learn to use the tools and the technology we have. For all the developers out there, my advice is simple: try it, use it, and explore it. Whether it is ChatGPT or Copilot, take a few minutes and experiment with the tools available. It's also really important for developers to start skilling themselves in these areas to be more efficient. The space is evolving quickly, so learning and adapting is key for our field.

My Moroccan Adventure

My first trip to Morocco has been so inspiring. The passion, the energy, and the potential I've witnessed here are truly remarkable. The food has been amazing and I'm so thankful for this experience. I am very excited to work more and see what the developers in Morocco, Africa, and beyond will create!