The Private University of Fez To Develop Artificial Intelligence “Made in Morocco”

Faced with the global growth of AI, the UPF, Morocco, wants to position itself as a pioneer through the project of development of an artificial intelligence “Made in Morocco.” A local and innovative initiative, presented during its recent Doctoral Days of the university “JDIA’2025.”

The Private University of Fez (UPF) has clearly displayed its ambitions not to be a simple consumer of imported artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, but rather a leading player in the production of AI “Made in Morocco.”

That was announced on Friday, January 24th, during the launch of the Doctoral Days (JDIA’2025). Organized by the Center for Doctoral Studies (CEDoc) “Sciences, Engineering and Sustainable Development (SIDD)”, this day served as a platform for an exchange between researchers, doctoral students, students and professionals, while highlighting the impact of research on concrete societal issues.

The UPF doctorate: A pillar of academic and professional excellence

Mohammed Aziz Lahlou, President of the UPF, opened the event by highlighting the unparalleled value of the doctorate, the highest degree in higher education in Morocco, considering it an international standard for scientific elites.

For Lahlou, obtaining a doctorate requires uncompromising excellence, a quality that reflects the profound influence of science on our society. He also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement of doctoral training, particularly through the intensification of collaborations with businesses.

“The doctorate,” he said, “is not only a key to academic excellence, it is also the key to recognition by businesses, offering an international vision in a globalized economy.” His wish is to see the Doctoral Days become an unmissable annual event.

The UPF is preparing its first generation of doctors trained in AI

During this day, Qjidaa Hassan, director of CEDoc, highlighted the completion of the LMD training cycle with the first class of UPF doctoral students who will be able to defend their theses this year.

Qjidaa insisted on the relevance of the theme of artificial intelligence, chosen for this first edition of JDIA’2025, emphasizing the UPF’s desire not to be content with being a simple consumer of imported AI applications, but to become a major player in the production of purely Moroccan AI.

To achieve this ambition, UPF has established partnerships, notably with the Cancer Research Institute, to create a medical imaging database, a prelude to the construction of a powerful “data center,” a key infrastructure for AI developed with local experts and adapted to the specific needs of Morocco.

The jobs of tomorrow in the era of AI

Ali Ahaitouf, director of the École normale supérieure de Fez, focused his speech on the profound transformations induced by digital technology and artificial intelligence in the professional world. Recently awarded the German-African Innovation Prize, Ahaitouf presented a vision of the jobs of the future, emphasizing the need for students, researchers and socio-economic actors to adapt and train in the skills essential to this new era.

“In a context where innovation and adaptability are the key words, it is essential to understand the challenges and opportunities linked to these emerging technologies,” he explained.

Research in Economics: A Demanding Path to Impact

Exploring the demanding path of research in economics, Abderrazak El Hiri, Director of the Economics Research Laboratory at USMBA in Fez, explored the issues, ethical principles and prerequisites necessary for rigorous and relevant research.

El Hiri stressed the need for researchers to adopt innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. He stressed the importance of solid theoretical training, mastery of econometric tools and respect for ethical principles. He advised doctoral students on the essential steps of quality research work, from the formulation of the problem to the dissemination of results, encouraging them to engage in applied research and to collaborate with other disciplines to contribute to the economic and social development of Morocco.

In addition to the conferences and workshops, UPF doctoral students had the opportunity to share their experiences, present the progress of their work and build relationships with professionals.

JDIA’2025 proved to be a real platform for exchanging ideas and building partnerships, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and research ethics. It offered participants the opportunity to learn, discuss and collaborate to build a more promising future.

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(Featured image by Hitesh Choudhary via Unsplash)

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