Nokia has inaugurated its first Innovation Center for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) in Salé, Morocco. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
The new facility, part of Nokia’s broader commitment to advancing network infrastructure and fostering innovation, aims to serve as a hub for technological development, supporting 5G readiness, digital skills advancement, and the broader goals of Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy.
The Nokia Innovation Center (NIC) is equipped with cutting-edge network technologies, including IP, optical transport, and fiber solutions, housed within a state-of-the-art data center. It is designed to support a range of applications, from 5G mobile backhaul to data center security, while enabling testing, verification, deployment, and training in advanced network technologies.
Not only will Nokia’s NIC serve the Moroccan market but also the wider Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, positioning it as a focal point for innovation in critical network technologies.
Morocco has a digital vision to transform its economy by 2030. The NIC aligns with this vision, with an ambitious goal of creating 240,000 jobs in the technology sector and contributing over $10 billion to the national GDP.
The NIC will also play a pivotal role in upskilling local talent by offering practical training programs to engineering schools and universities. These programs include certification courses like Service Routing Architect (SRA) and Network Routing Specialist (NRS II), as well as the use of Gen-AI tools to reskill young Moroccan talent.
These support the nation’s efforts in advancing STEM education and preparing its youth for the digital economy.
At the center’s inauguration, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Ghita Mezzour, emphasized the significance of the NIC in fostering local talent and boosting Morocco’s 5G readiness. She highlighted how the center will enhance Morocco’s role as a regional hub for digital services across the EMEA region, driving innovation and supporting the nation’s technological future.
