The Moroccan government has unveiled plans to invest 360 million dirhams (approximately $36 million) in establishing a specialized gaming zone in Rabat, the nation’s capital. This significant initiative, a key component of the country’s 2025 Finance Bill, aligns with Morocco’s ambitions to become a leading player in the gaming industry across Africa and the Middle East.
The gaming zone in Rabat is envisioned as a comprehensive hub for game development, coding, and professional training. It will provide essential resources and support to local gaming startups, fostering a thriving ecosystem for the gaming industry. The Moroccan government aims for this infrastructure to generate jobs, attract foreign talent and investment, and create a sustainable revenue stream.
Mehdi Bensaïd, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, is a driving force behind this project. Since taking office in 2021, Bensaïd has prioritized diversifying Morocco’s cultural and creative industries, with the development of Rabat’s gaming district seen as a pivotal step.
“The new gaming zone could create up to 5,000 jobs and yield 5 billion dirhams in revenue by 2030,” Bensaïd projected, highlighting the potential for Morocco’s youth to excel in tech-driven fields like game development.
A recent strategic partnership with Huawei underscores the momentum behind this project. This collaboration aims to enhance Morocco’s talent pool in gaming and technology, focusing on equipping young Moroccans with essential industry skills. Bensaïd envisions a skilled workforce that will help Morocco establish a competitive edge in gaming, with local talent capable of supporting game development on both regional and international scales.
Morocco’s commitment to the gaming industry has also attracted international attention. Rabat is set to host the second edition of an international gaming expo next year, following the successful debut of the Morocco Gaming Expo. This event aims to further elevate Morocco’s profile as a gaming destination, attracting global players to the new gaming zone and showcasing the country’s potential as a tech and gaming hub.
With the launch of the Game City project, Rabat is poised to become the epicenter of Morocco’s gaming industry. This development could position the North African country as a leader in a sector that has captured the interest of investors and gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
