Morocco at the Forefront of Digital Innovation: National Institute of Innovation and Advanced Technology Hailed by ITU
In an increasingly connected world, digital inclusion has become a cornerstone of socio-economic development. Morocco, through its National Institute of Innovation and Advanced Technology (INITA), is positioning itself as a leader in this field, a fact recently underscored by a prestigious recognition from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Commenting on this significant recognition, Mr. Abdellatif Belmkadem, President of the National Institute of Innovation and Advanced Technology, stated: “We are immensely honored by the International Telecommunication Union’s recognition of our efforts. This is a powerful affirmation of our vision to harness innovation and technology for the betterment of society, particularly in fostering digital inclusion and empowering our citizens.
The success of islah.city is a collective achievement, reflecting the dedication of our team and the collaborative spirit of our partners. We remain steadfast in our commitment to driving Morocco’s digital transformation, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all, and we are inspired to continue our journey towards a truly connected and participatory future.”
This distinction highlights INITA’s innovative efforts to bridge the digital divide and strengthen citizen participation, particularly through its flagship project, islah.city. This success is not only a victory for INITA but also a source of pride for the Kingdom, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to inclusive digital transformation.
Islah.city is a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to serve citizens. This platform, accessible via a website and mobile application, offers Casablanca residents a direct channel to report urban issues – from potholes to faulty streetlights, and waste management problems – to local authorities. Transparency and efficiency are at the heart of this initiative, with real-time tracking and updates that strengthen trust between citizens and public services.
The integration of artificial intelligence into islah.city has optimized service delivery and improved data quality. In just three months, the platform processed over 1,000 reports across all 16 districts of Casablanca, achieving an impressive 37% resolution rate. These figures attest to the platform’s effectiveness and its ability to concretely address community needs.
INITA’s success also stems from strong strategic partnerships with municipal bodies and educational institutions. These collaborations are essential for expanding digital infrastructure, particularly broadband services, and for implementing capacity-building programs in underserved areas. The objective is clear: to ensure that all citizens, including those in low-income areas, fully benefit from Morocco’s digital transformation.
The initiative has already conducted 15 training sessions, reaching over 500 citizens, and has organized focus groups, public consultations, and digital campaigns to ensure inclusive participation and gather valuable feedback. Drawing inspiration from successful international models like FixMyStreet (UK) and SeeClickFix (USA), islah.city has adapted these concepts to Moroccan realities, offering a multilingual interface (Arabic, French, English, and Amazigh) for maximum accessibility.
INITA does not intend to stop there. The Institute continues to strengthen its programs and partnerships with the ambition of reaching 5 million users by 2027, a testament to its ongoing commitment to an inclusive digital future for all.
