Harnessing AI for social inclusion in Morocco: a path toward equitable development

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a cornerstone of innovation and development across the globe. As we embrace this digital transformation, it’s essential to consider how AI can serve as a tool for social inclusion, particularly in contexts like Morocco. In Morocco, where diverse challenges such as rural poverty, educational gaps, and access to healthcare remain, AI can be leveraged to address these inequities and ensure that no one is left behind. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Morocco is committed to exploring how technology, especially AI, can be harnessed to foster inclusive growth, build resilience, and create opportunities for all, with a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Morocco’s geography, social diversity, and economic structure present unique challenges and opportunities. Many rural communities, particularly in the arid and mountainous regions, struggle with access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. AI has the potential to bridge these gaps by creating solutions tailored to the local context. For instance, in rural education, where resources are often limited and the quality of instruction can vary, AI-powered educational tools could offer personalized learning experiences for students. Using advanced algorithms, these tools can assess each student’s strengths and weaknesses and adapt lessons accordingly, ensuring that every child—whether in a bustling urban center or a remote village—has access to quality education. This is particularly relevant in Morocco, where there is a pressing need to close the educational divide between urban and rural areas.

In a country like Morocco, where the agricultural sector remains a significant source of livelihood, AI can also play a crucial role in boosting the economic inclusion of rural communities. Farmers in regions like the Figuig Oasis or the Beni Snassen mountains often face challenges related to water scarcity, soil degradation, and unpredictable weather patterns, all exacerbated by climate change. AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics for crop management and weather forecasting, can help farmers make informed decisions about planting and irrigation. By providing real-time data on soil health and climate conditions, AI enables more efficient use of resources, improving crop yields and increasing resilience against environmental shocks. This kind of technological support can transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, many of whom are at the heart of Morocco’s rural economy.

Healthcare, another critical area, stands to benefit immensely from AI in Morocco. The disparity in healthcare access between urban centers and rural areas is a well-documented issue. Many Moroccans living in rural regions must travel long distances to receive specialized medical care, and often, the quality of healthcare available locally is inadequate. AI can help bridge this gap by offering diagnostic tools that assist healthcare workers in making faster, more accurate diagnoses. For instance, AI applications that analyze medical images or patient data can help doctors in remote regions detect diseases like tuberculosis or diabetes early on, providing timely and life-saving interventions. AI-powered mobile health applications could also offer critical health information in local languages, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health. For example, a woman in a rural village with limited access to a healthcare center could use an AI-powered app to monitor her pregnancy and receive guidance on when to seek medical attention, potentially preventing complications.

AI’s role in governance and public administration in Morocco is equally transformative. AI can be utilized to enhance transparency, improve service delivery, and foster citizen engagement. By analyzing large sets of data, AI can help the government and international partners like the UNDP identify areas where social programs are falling short and ensure that resources are being distributed efficiently. This data-driven approach is already being tested in various global contexts to streamline the delivery of social benefits and target interventions to those who need them most. In Morocco, this could mean improving the management of national programs like the INDH (Initiative Nationale pour le Développement Humain) or ensuring that aid reaches rural women, youth, and people with disabilities who are often excluded from economic opportunities. By using AI to monitor and evaluate these programs, the government can make data-backed decisions that improve outcomes and build trust with its citizens.

The UNDP in Morocco is particularly focused on leveraging AI within the framework of sustainable development and climate resilience. AI technologies can be deployed to help local governments and communities adapt to climate challenges, such as water scarcity and desertification, which disproportionately affect Morocco’s rural and agricultural areas. For instance, AI systems can support early warning mechanisms for droughts or floods, allowing communities to prepare and respond more effectively. This technology could complement traditional knowledge in rural areas, where local populations already possess invaluable expertise in resource management. By integrating AI with local practices, UNDP is fostering an inclusive approach that respects the social fabric of rural communities while introducing modern solutions to persistent challenges.

However, as we advocate for the potential of AI in fostering social inclusion, we must remain mindful of the risks. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on, and if the data reflects existing biases—whether social, gender, or economic—AI could inadvertently reinforce inequality rather than reduce it. To prevent this, AI initiatives in Morocco must be designed with inclusivity at their core. This means involving diverse stakeholders in the development process, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups are not only beneficiaries but also contributors to these technological advancements. It also requires building local capacity to manage and govern AI systems, ensuring that the technology is used ethically and responsibly.

In conclusion, the role of AI in promoting social inclusion in Morocco is clear. By enhancing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and better governance, AI offers a path towards a more equitable society. The UNDP’s work in Morocco centred on human development, sustainable growth, and climate resilience, aligns with these objectives. Through partnerships with local communities, governments, and private sector actors, the UNDP is working to ensure that the benefits of AI reach those who need them most. As we continue to explore AI’s potential in Morocco, we must remain committed to an inclusive vision of development, where technology serves as a bridge to opportunity for all.