Morocco rolls out Nexus AI Factory in bid to lead Africa’s AI sector

Nexus Core Systems has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Moroccan authorities to develop a $1.28 billion artificial intelligence facility.

The agreement was formalized during GITEX Africa 2026, held from April 7 to 9 in Marrakech. It brings together Nexus Core Systems with the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the Ministry of Investment, Convergence and Public Policy Evaluation, and the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development.

The deal initiates the first phase of the “Nexus AI Factory Platform,” a project positioned as a key step in Morocco’s push to strengthen its role in advanced digital infrastructure.

According to Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition, the facility will combine a high-performance computing data center with a Center of Excellence focused on training and skills transfer. It will also house an innovation hub dedicated to next-generation AI applications.

The design will introduce what officials describe as an integrated, sovereign infrastructure capable of supporting both domestic needs and international operations. The broader roadmap also includes plans for a next-generation data center near Casablanca, with long-term ambitions to scale capacity significantly while relying on renewable energy sources.

Phased rollout and investment structure

The project will be deployed in two phases and is expected to generate 125 direct jobs by 2027. The initial phase will see Nexus Core Systems allocate 5 billion dirhams to develop a 16 megawatt facility in the Nouaceur region, marking the operational launch of the platform.

A second phase will follow with an additional 7 billion dirhams investment at a separate site, expanding capacity by 20 megawatts.

Together, these phases form part of a longer-term vision that positions the platform as a foundation for large-scale AI workloads and future expansion.

The initiative aligns with Morocco’s “Digital 2030” program, introduced in 2024, which targets increasing the digital economy’s contribution to gross domestic product to 5%.

The strategy also sets out goals to create 270,000 jobs, support the development of 3,000 startups, and accelerate the digitization of public services. The Nexus AI Factory Platform is expected to contribute to these targets by strengthening infrastructure and fostering innovation-led growth.

Officials highlight strategic and economic impact

Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, said the project would reinforce Morocco’s technological capabilities.

“The launch of the Nexus AI Factory Platform contributes to the development of digital infrastructure and strengthens Morocco’s capabilities in digital technology and artificial intelligence,” she said.

Nexus Core Systems chief executive Jaap Zuiderveld pointed to Morocco’s investment climate and talent base as key factors behind the decision.

“Morocco offers a combination of political stability, forward-looking leadership and strong talent,” he said, adding that the company is “not only deploying high-performance infrastructure” but building “an integrated ecosystem” that includes a Center of Excellence and an innovation hub to support global operations.

Founded in 2025 in partnership with Lloyds Capital, Nexus Core Systems is pursuing a broader strategy to develop AI factories tailored for high-demand computing workloads worldwide.

The London-based firm relies on advanced technologies from Nvidia and Naver Cloud, positioning its infrastructure to meet rising demand for AI-driven processing capacity across global markets.