Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane aims to spearhead Morocco’s digital and cybersecurity skills development,building on its successful completion of a government contract to train 10,000 engineers,university officials announced at a Bank Al-Maghrib press conference in Rabat.
Bank Al-Maghrib Governor Abdellatif Jouahri,who serves on the university’s Board of Directors,praised the institution’s achievements while outlining ambitious future plans. “Al Akhawayn successfully delivered many things in the past,notably the contract to train 10,000 engineers. We’re now moving into domains like digital technology and cybersecurity,and we’ll likely propose a similar contract to the government,” Jouahri stated.
The university’s strong track record includes an 84% employment rate for graduates,according to external consultant surveys,not counting those pursuing studies abroad. Gender balance stands at 54% female and 46% male students,demonstrating family confidence in the institution and its adaptability to societal changes.
Al Akhawayn maintains exclusive American accreditation in Morocco through NECHE certification,initially granted for five years and renewed for ten. University President Amine Bensaid highlighted the institution’s socio-economic impact,noting that 55% of students receive scholarships,enabling access to quality education for modest-income families.
The university has taught artificial intelligence since 1995,offering Master’s and Bachelor’s programs that treat AI as a methodological approach rather than merely a tool. With 8,000 alumni—70% working in Morocco and 30% internationally—Al Akhawayn has proven its capacity to develop strategic competencies.
Infrastructure expansion includes 14 new buildings increasing campus capacity. The proposed cybersecurity training initiative could strengthen Morocco’s technological autonomy and consolidate its international position in digital sectors.
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