In a move signaling a strategic push beyond traditional sectors, Morocco is aggressively courting the rapidly growing video game industry, setting its sights on becoming a regional hub for game development and esports. The North African kingdom, long reliant on agriculture, tourism, and phosphate exports, is channeling significant investment into nurturing a local gaming ecosystem, hoping to tap into a global market projected to reach nearly $350 billion by 2027.
This ambition was emphasized this week with the launch of the “Video Game Incubator” in Rabat. Backed by the French Embassy and spearheaded by Brahim Diaz, a prominent figure in Orange’s “Koora Talents” initiative, the incubator will provide nine Moroccan gaming startups with crucial resources, mentorship, and training over seven months. The initiative aims to equip these nascent companies with the tools to compete on the international stage, covering everything from pre-production and branding to business management and financial strategy.
“The gaming industry is of growing importance internationally,” declared Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, at the launch event. “We hope to see the emergence of Moroccan companies that are world leaders in this sector.” His optimism is not unfounded. Projections from Statista estimate the Moroccan gaming market will generate 2.28 billion dirhams ($228 million USD) in revenue this year, with potential to reach 3 billion dirhams by 2027, representing a robust annual growth rate of almost 9.4%.
Driving this governmental push is a desire for economic diversification and job creation within Morocco’s youthful population. Mr. Bensaid, who has championed sectoral diversification since assuming his ministerial role in 2021, envisions the Rabat gaming zone as a catalyst for this transformation. Dubbed “Game City,” this specialized zone, supported by a substantial 360 million dirham investment earmarked in the 2025 Finance Bill, is designed to be the epicenter of Morocco’s gaming ambitions. It will integrate game creation facilities, coding academies, training programs, and business support services, aiming to attract both domestic and international companies.
The scale of the ambition is significant. Mr. Bensaid estimates the Game City project could generate up to 5,000 jobs and 5 billion dirhams in revenue by 2030. This would represent a substantial return on investment and a significant contribution to the national economy.
Morocco’s strategy is multi-pronged, built on four key pillars: infrastructure, training, incubation, and promotion. Beyond Game City, the government is investing in workforce development to ensure a pipeline of skilled game developers and programmers. Strategic partnerships, such as the recent agreement with Huawei, further bolster this commitment, aiming to nurture local talent and provide platforms for gaming startups.
The international dimension is also central to Morocco’s plan. Rabat is slated to host the second edition of an international gaming expo this year, building on the inaugural event earlier this year. These expos are designed to attract international investors, publishers, and talent, showcasing Morocco as a viable and attractive gaming destination.
The French connection is also noteworthy. The involvement of the French Embassy in the Video Game Incubator and the broader Declaration of Intent signed between Morocco and France last October during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit highlight the deepening cooperation in the cultural and creative industries. Mr. Macron himself participated in a gaming showcase at the International University of Rabat during his visit, further emphasizing the political backing for this sector.