Morocco has announced plans to build a massive 500-megawatt data centre powered entirely by renewable energy in Dakhla, Western Sahara, as part of its broader push toward digital sovereignty and sustainability.
Why it matters
As countries around the world race to localize data storage and ensure cybersecurity, Morocco is positioning itself as a key digital infrastructure hub for Africa — with green energy at the heart of that strategy.
What they’re saying
“Through this network of data centres, the kingdom not only asserts its digital sovereignty, but also its ambition to become a regional digital hub serving Africa,” said Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s digital transition minister.
Zoom out:
- The upcoming facility builds on the launch of Morocco’s first state-backed data centre at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, operational since January and already offering cloud hosting to local entities.
- Governments globally are prioritizing national data centres to maintain legal jurisdiction over sensitive digital assets, whether through state or private operators.
By the numbers:
- 500 megawatts: Capacity of the planned Dakhla centre
- 11 billion dirhams ($1.22B): Total investment earmarked for Morocco’s digital modernization between 2024–2026
- The plan includes AI integration and nationwide fibre optic expansion.
What’s next
Details on the construction timeline and cost for the Dakhla project have yet to be disclosed. However, the centre will be a cornerstone of Morocco’s green tech ambitions in the region.
Source: Reuters
