The Kingdom of Morocco, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub to support countries in the Arab States region and Africa in leveraging digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative was announced during a high-level event on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80).
Moroccan leaders highlighted the strategic importance of AI as a tool for inclusive and sustainable human development. With digital transformation reshaping economies and societies globally, the Arab and African regions face systemic challenges such as misaligned policies, fragmented systems, talent shortages, and high costs. The D4SD Hub addresses these challenges by serving as a platform to co-create, pilot, and scale inclusive, people-centered solutions while promoting AI-powered services in health, education, climate resilience, and governance. The Hub also seeks to empower women and youth as leaders of the digital age.
UNDP emphasized that digital transformation is central to its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, accelerating systemic change across development sectors. The D4SD Hub will provide countries with opportunities to co-design, test, and scale digital solutions that build trust, transparency, and equity. The project is supported by a total budget of US$38 million over three years, including US$8 million from the Government of Morocco and an in-kind contribution of US$1 million from UNDP.
Moroccan officials underscored the Hub’s role in translating the country’s vision of an inclusive digital future into actionable outcomes. The launch brought together ministers, UN officials, private sector innovators, civil society partners, and other stakeholders to discuss the creation of an AI and Data Science Alliance for Arab States and Africa. This Alliance will harmonize standards, strengthen talent development, and promote the responsible use of AI in coordination with the D4SD Hub.
Through this initiative, Morocco demonstrates its leadership in South-South cooperation for digital transformation. The Hub aligns with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, UNDP’s Global Digital Strategy, and the digital agendas of the African Union and Arab League, fostering a more inclusive and innovative regional digital ecosystem.
