RABAT, May 23, 2026 (MAP) – On Saturday in Rabat, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication signed a framework cooperation agreement with the “Nomaya Foundation” for future technologies and “African Tech Campus“. The signing took place on the sidelines of the third edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo.
The agreement was signed by Abdelaziz Boujdaini, Secretary General of the Communication Departement at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication; Fouad Chraibi, President of the “Nomaya Foundation” for future technologies; and Moulay Mehdi Alaoui Hosni, President of “African Tech Campus”. It focuses on three main areas targeting talented Moroccan youth in the gaming industry.
These include three sub-programs: skill development through tailored training and professional integration programs aligned with market needs; startup support by assisting the creation and structuring of innovative projects; and facilitating access to appropriate financial resources for the various growth stages of these projects.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary General of the Communication Departement at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication emphasized that the signing of this framework agreement is part of a dynamic initiative aimed at supporting the development of the gaming industry in Morocco. He highlighted gaming as an emerging sector with significant potential within the cultural industries, digital innovation, and the creative economy.
In this regard, he explained that this partnership centers on enhancing skills in gaming professions, supporting startups, and developing training, incubation, and financing mechanisms tailored to young talents and project leaders.
He added that this cooperation will contribute to structuring an integrated ecosystem around the gaming industry by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional inclusion, while strengthening Morocco’s positioning in highly promising cultural and digital industries.
For his part, the President of the “Nomaya Foundation” for future technologies expressed his satisfaction with signing the cooperation agreement with the Ministry in a statement to the Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP). He noted that this partnership will enable the development of training programs, support startups, promote entrepreneurship, and provide backing and funding for gaming-related projects.
Similarly, the President of “African Tech Campus” stated that the agreement represents a major step forward for the development of gaming industry professions in Morocco. He explained that it aims to train young talent, support startups in developing their studios, and finance their projects through practical, on-the-ground programs, while contributing to the creation of 20,000 jobs by 2035.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Ministry will mobilize the gaming industry ecosystem and work on establishing specialized training programs for video game professions. This will be achieved by facilitating the identification and guidance of young beneficiaries and promoting their professional integration into digital and creative fields.
The Ministry will also engage private sector companies to increase their contribution to training mechanisms and support startups and youth-led projects. This includes backing their incubation, raising their profile, connecting them with national and international partners, and encouraging the structuring of entrepreneurial initiatives in this field.
The parties to the agreement emphasized that it aligns with the High Royal Guidelines aimed at promoting cultural and intangible heritage, fostering the inclusion of youth and women, and supporting the sustainable and competitive development of cultural and creative industries. It is also part of the execution of the gaming industry development strategy overseen by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, which aims to establish Morocco as a regional hub for cultural and digital innovation.
As a reminder, this edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Communication Departement under the theme “Moroccan Talents“, highlights the creativity, innovation, and expertise of young Moroccan talents who contribute to enhancing Morocco’s influence in the gaming and e-sports industries.
RABAT, May 22, 2026 (MAP) – A cooperation protocol was signed on Friday in Rabat between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the French Institute of Morocco. The agreement aims to support the Kingdom’s participation in the 2026 edition of the francophone residency program “Game Créalab Francophone“, scheduled to take place soon in France.
The protocol, signed by Abdelaziz Boujdaini, Secretary General of the Communication Departement at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, and Agnès Humruzian, Director General of the French Institute of Morocco, seeks to strengthen cultural cooperation between Morocco and France and highlights the excellent bilateral relations in the cultural and creative industries.
The agreement provides for facilitating coordination with relevant national bodies and supporting networking with structures and partners involved in the project. It also aims to accompany Moroccan participation in the program within the framework of Franco-Moroccan cultural cooperation, and to facilitate exchanges with the French cultural and institutional partners involved.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Boujdaini stated that this cooperation protocol reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the support and structuring of the gaming industry ecosystem in Morocco by backing young Moroccan talent, developing skills, and opening up to international expertise.
He added that this framework embodies the quality of cultural cooperation relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic in the fields of cultural and creative industries.
For her part, Ms. Humruzian expressed her satisfaction with Morocco’s participation in the francophone residency program, noting that this participation falls within the bilateral partnership aimed at strengthening and supporting professional actors in the sector, accompanying young creators, and contributing to the prosperity of the Moroccan gaming industry ecosystem.
Morocco’s participation in this program is part of the “Rabat Gaming City” initiative, which is dedicated to training, structuring the ecosystem, and supporting entrepreneurship in this sector. It also comes as an implementation of the agreement signed in May 2024 between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Embassy of France, which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in video game professions through training and the exchange of expertise.
As a reminder, this edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Communication Departement under the theme “Moroccan Talents”, highlights the creativity, innovation, and expertise of young Moroccan talents who contribute to enhancing Morocco’s influence in the gaming and esports industries.
RABAT, May 22, 2026 (MAP) – A Declaration of Intent was signed on Friday in Rabat between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the “GameEarly” platform, aimed at strengthening the gaming industry ecosystem in Morocco. The signing took place on the sidelines of the third edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo.
The declaration, signed by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and the President of GameEarly, Lydian Feneck, underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in the gaming industry through training, innovation, investment, and the exchange of expertise.
Under this framework, the platform plans to establish a Moroccan branch of GameEarly and launch an investment project in Rabat by the fourth quarter of 2026. The objective is to position the group as a major regional hub for the gaming industry in Africa, reflecting a long-term partnership between Morocco and the platform to boost the sector’s dynamics across the continent.
In a statement to the press, Mr. Bensaid emphasized that the group’s decision to establish a presence in Morocco reflects the Kingdom’s attractiveness and the high level of competence among its youth, highlighting the significant impact this will have on job creation.
“Through their excellence, efforts, and skills, our young people are succeeding in convincing international investors to come, settle, and invest in Morocco,” he stated.
For his part, the President of “GameEarly” explained that the company aspires to create a structure in Morocco inspired by the national identity to support the development of the local video game industry. Leveraging the vast potential of Moroccan startups, the initiative aims to bolster the national gaming ecosystem and enhance its international outreach.
He also praised the emergence of startups and development studios in Morocco, noting that many local initiatives are characterized by remarkable creativity and significant growth potential.
The signing of this Declaration of Intent comes at a time when the Kingdom is committed to consolidating a sustainable gaming industry ecosystem that encourages investment, innovation, and job creation, while further enhancing its appeal to international investors.
The 2026 edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Communication Departement under the theme “Moroccan Talents,” highlights the creativity, innovation, and expertise of young Moroccan talents who contribute to Morocco’s growing influence in the gaming and esports industries.
RABAT, May 22, 2026 – The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), announced on Friday in Rabat that Morocco will participate in “Gamescom 2026,” which will take place in Cologne, Germany, from August 26 to 30.
Announced on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, this participation aims to create new opportunities for the Moroccan gaming industry ecosystem, strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the global creative and digital economy, open new horizons for youth, facilitate access to international markets, and build bridges with global gaming industry networks.
For the first time, Morocco will participate in “Gamescom” with a national pavilion spanning 102 square meters. This space will host 10 Moroccan companies active in the gaming industry, including 9 startups benefiting from the “Video Game Incubator” program, launched by the Ministry in partnership with the French Embassy, as well as the winning startup of the “Challenge Startup Gaming by Inwi & MJCC,” organized as part of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026.
In a statement to the press, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, emphasized that the partnership with AMDIE will allow the Moroccan gaming industry ecosystem to participate in one of the world’s most important international events specialized in the gaming industry in Germany.
The Minister added that Moroccan startups, which will be strongly represented at this event, will have the opportunity to discover the international ecosystem firsthand and integrate into global markets.
He noted that the real challenge, which has been tackled since the inaugural edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE 2024), lies in supporting these startups to stimulate their growth and development, both in Morocco and internationally, enabling them to meet the expectations of a broader audience, primarily composed of youth.
For his part, the Director General of AMDIE, Ali Seddiki, highlighted the agency’s contribution to the national strategy led by the Ministry to develop the gaming industry, explaining that AMDIE will, for the first time, support around ten national startups to participate in “Gamescom 2026.”
He added that these companies, having already been nurtured by the Ministry’s incubator, will benefit from genuine opportunities for international expansion and visibility through this major event.
Morocco’s official participation in “Gamescom 2026” marks a structured step in developing the national cultural and creative industries ecosystem, particularly the gaming sector.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication – Communication Departement, under the theme “Moroccan Talents,” the 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo highlights the creativity, innovation, and expertise of young Moroccan talents, who contribute to strengthening Morocco’s influence in the field of gaming industry and Esports.
Rabat, May 21, 2026 (MAP) – The Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and the Ambassador of the European Union to Morocco, Dimiter Tzantchev, signed on Thursday in Rabat a strategic support agreement for Morocco’s 2030 gaming industry development strategy, on the sidelines of the third edition of Morocco Gaming Expo 2026.
Through this strategy, Morocco aims to build a competitive gaming industry ecosystem capable of generating high-skilled employment opportunities and attracting international investment. Leveraging its young, digitally connected population, the Kingdom is positioning itself as an emerging gaming hub in Africa and the MENA region.
The support will advance three key pillars of the national strategy, beginning with the strengthening of training and education in gaming industry-related professions through university programs and vocational courses aligned with international standards. The objective is to address the sector’s growing demand for qualified talent while creating new pathways for professional integration for Moroccan youth.
This agreement also seeks to support the structuring of the gaming market through studies and strategic analyses aimed at identifying the opportunities and challenges facing Moroccan companies. These efforts are expected to help guide the measures required to accelerate the growth of the national gaming industry.
It also aims to strengthen cooperation between Moroccan and European gaming ecosystems. Indeed, business-to-business (B2B) missions and professional exchange programs are expected to foster strategic partnerships, encourage investment opportunities, and enhance collaboration with Moroccan talent trained in cutting-edge technologies.
In a press statement, Mr. Bensaid stressed that the agreement with the European Union is designed to further integrate Morocco into the European economic ecosystem, particularly as several EU member states are global leaders in the gaming industry.
He noted that this partnership will help Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their access to European markets, while providing Moroccan entrepreneurs with the tools and mechanisms necessary to ensure the success of their projects at both the national and international levels.
The minister further emphasized that the initiative places a strong focus on cultural and creative industries by reinforcing support mechanisms for companies investing in the sector, in line with the agreements previously concluded between Morocco and the European Union.
Similarly, Mr. Tzantchev underlined that the gaming industry is among the world’s fastest-growing industries, emphasizing the European Union’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s ambition to develop an ecosystem fully integrated into international markets.
“This support fully reflects the spirit of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to strengthen ties between both shores through concrete opportunities for youth, innovation, and shared value creation,” he stated.
This agreement complements the Cultural and Creative Industries Support Program launched in 2023 with a total budget of €10 million, reflecting the shared ambition of Morocco and the European Union to foster an inclusive and sustainable creative digital industry aligned with the strategic priorities and sustainable development objectives of both partners.
RABAT, May 22, 2026 (MAP) – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday in Rabat between the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and “Pixoul Gaming.” The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in developing Morocco’s gaming industry ecosystem, on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE 2026).
The MoU was signed by Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and Taoufik Assaf, Co-founder and Chairman of Pixoul Gaming. It outlines the establishment of a subsidiary for the esports and digital entertainment company, alongside the launch of an investment project in Casablanca by 2027. This initiative seeks to contribute to positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for the gaming industry, esports, and digital creative industries in Africa and the MENA region.
In a statement to the press, Minister Mr. Bensaid emphasized that this MoU is designed to facilitate the company’s investment in Morocco and contribute to supporting the national economic momentum.
The Minister explained that this collaboration will help create new job opportunities and enhance the presence of businesses within business incubators, enabling the development of a more integrated and efficient ecosystem. He highlighted that the involvement of major companies with international expertise will expand opportunities and multiply the number of stakeholders in this field.
For his part, Mr. Assaf stated that this is a massive and ambitious project targeting the Moroccan industry with a specific focus on the gaming industry and training sectors. He expressed his satisfaction with the environment provided by the Ministry, describing it as highly conducive to attracting investment and developing the national gaming industry surroundings.
Under the terms of the MoU, the Ministry will work to facilitate the company’s positioning in Morocco, in coordination with relevant public stakeholders. It will make every effort to assist Pixoul Gaming in accessing available regulatory, tax, and incentive frameworks, within the limits of its eligibility.
The signing of this agreement is part of reinforcing the strategic importance of developing the gaming industry in the Kingdom, it also reflects the shared commitment to establishing a sustainable, investment-stimulating ecosystem that generates employment opportunities.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication – Communication Departement under the theme “Moroccan Talents,” this edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026 highlights the creativity, innovation, and expertise of young Moroccan talents, who are driving the country’s prominence in the global gaming and esports industry.
Rabat, May 20, 2026 – On the sidelines of the 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, taking place from May 20 to 24, 2026, at the Sofitel Jardin des Roses in Rabat, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (MJCC) signed four fundamental strategic agreements and memorandums of understanding. Simultaneously addressing academic training, innovation funding through gamification projects, child protection within the gaming industry, and digital inclusion, these cross-cutting agreements mark a decisive turning point in the emergence and consolidation of the gaming industry within the Kingdom.
In continuity with the framework agreement signed in May 2025, the MJCC and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation initialed a major specific agreement. This partnership rigorously defines the implementation procedures for degree-granting training curricula exclusively dedicated to careers in the gaming industry. The objective of this institutional partnership is to equip the Kingdom with highly qualified skills capable of precisely meeting the specialized demands of a rapidly growing national ecosystem.
Concurrently, and in order to boost the national entrepreneurial ecosystem of the gaming industry, the MJCC, the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), and The Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) joined forces to realize the operational deployment of the MJCC’s “Gamification Lab” program as well as SMIT’s “Gaming de Loisir” program. This major partnership benefits from an overall budget of 24 million Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), including 10 million MAD provided by the MJCC (divided into 5 million in 2026 and 5 million in 2027), 10 million MAD mobilized by the CDG (also split into tranches of 5 million over 2026 and 2027), and 4 million MAD injected by SMIT in 2026. This impactful funding will actively stimulate innovation in the field of gamification, encourage Moroccan startups, and structure a leading-edge gaming leisure offer.
This sectoral dynamic also integrates a strong civic and social dimension through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the MJCC and UNICEF. This strategic partnership aims to mobilize all stakeholders in the gaming industry ecosystem around the promotion and protection of children’s rights through gaming, notably planning the organization of joint awareness campaigns, the highlight of which will be the celebration of National Child’s Day at the very heart of the Morocco Gaming Expo’s activities.
Furthermore, digital inclusion and the transmission of technological skills are at the center of the memorandum of understanding concluded between the MJCC, the global leader “HP“, and the “eSTEM Morocco” association. This agreement unfolds across two major axes:
the implementation of a rigorous train-the-trainer program based on the “HP Gaming Garage” solution, combined with the launch of an online training offer accessible to all young holders of the “Youth Pass” within Youth Centers across the Kingdom. Through this comprehensive approach, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication reaffirms its strategic vision to make Morocco an essential hub for the gaming industry, by simultaneously investing in human capital, economic investment, and social responsibility.
The 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026 (MGE) officially kicked off on the morning of Wednesday, May 20, following its official inauguration on Tuesday by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, reflecting the High Royal Solicitude bestowed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, towards the development of this promising sector and the positioning of the Kingdom of Morocco as a regional and continental player in the gaming industry and the cultural and creative industries.
During the speech delivered by the Minister of youth, culture and communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, he emphasized that the gaming industry is no longer merely a field of entertainment, but has become a strategic global industry that opens broad horizons for Moroccan youth across various sectors and represents a real opportunity for the emergence of national talents and expertise.
The first day of the Expo also featured a speech delivered by Guest of Honor Erin Roberts, who shared with the audience his experience and vision regarding the future of the gaming industry at the global level.
The Expo also serves as a platform bringing together creators, investors, companies, and experts from Morocco and abroad, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as an emerging destination in the gaming industry, in line with the Royal Vision aimed at investing in youth, the digital economy, and the professions of the future.
Rabat – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan chaired on Tuesday in Rabat the opening of the 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE 2026), a must-attend event for passioned youth, professionals and stakeholders of the gaming industry, held on May 20-24 under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.
The inauguration of this Expo by His Royal Highness illustrates once again the continued High Solicitude that His Majesty the King, may God preserve Him, grants to the youth and the Sovereign’s steadfast commitment to their flourishing, training and openness to new technologies to fully integrate the economy of the future.
It also bears witness to the Kingdom’s determination, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the King, may God glorify Him, to turn the gaming industry into a strategic pillar for the development of the national cultural and digital industries.
Dubbed “Moroccan Talent,” this new edition, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Communication Department, underlined the creativity, innovation and know-how of young Moroccan talents, who contribute to the prominence of Morocco’s image in the industry of gaming and Esports.
By fostering the development of this dynamic and highly promising ecosystem, Morocco, under the impetus of His Majesty the King, aims to create thousands of skilled jobs for its youth, encourage investment and innovation, and strengthen its competitiveness and standing in this field on the international stage. This strategic choice is part of the Royal Vision aimed at making the Kingdom a leading technological and creative hub at the continental and regional levels.
On this occasion, HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan visited the exhibition platform, the true centerpiece of the Expo, which showcases the full richness and diversity of Morocco’s gaming industry ecosystem through booths, demonstrations, and meetings between enthusiasts, creators, and professionals.
Designed to reflect the dynamism of a booming industry, this platform brings together various sectors and key players, including institutions presenting public initiatives and projects that support the sector’s growth, startups showcasing their games, concepts, and innovations to the public, and funding operators meeting with young creators and project leaders to offer tailored investment solutions.
Hardware manufacturers, telecom operators, training organizations, and cloud gaming providers are also in attendance, to showcase their technologies, infrastructure, programs, and platforms designed for studios and gamers.
This third edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo also introduces new themed zones, including “MGE PlayTest” and “MGE Talks”, spaces dedicated to showcasing Moroccan talent and expertise in video game development.
His Royal Highness also visited the Arena, an eSports tournament platform that offers video game enthusiasts a unique immersive and competitive experience, bringing together amateurs and professionals for several national tournaments.
On this occasion, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan kicked off the Esports football tournament.
The Morocco Gaming Expo also features a B2B area, a professional networking platform that brings together the entire gaming industry ecosystem (studios, publishers, investors, and major industry players) and enables these operators to meet, share their projects, and generate real business opportunities.
At the heart of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, the Forums platform serves as a space for exchange and reflection where experts, Moroccan talent, and international gaming industry players come together.
This edition features five complementary events: the “Government Forum” to discuss public policy and international partnerships, the “Business Forum” focused on innovation and business opportunities, the “Game Safe Forum“ dedicated to security and ethics, the ”Game Engine Forum“ to explore development technologies, and the ”Game Dev Forum” reserved for creators, coders, and artists.
Through panels, masterclasses, and workshops led by Moroccan and international speakers, these forums are designed for professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to explore industry trends, discuss key challenges, and foster new collaborations.
In an effort to offer a comprehensive and immersive experience, this edition brings together all components of the gaming and entertainment industry ecosystem, while also featuring eSports competitions and themed workshops for students, children, startups, and families.
The hosting of the 3rd edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo in Rabat reinforces UNESCO’s selection of this city as the World Book Capital 2026 (April 2026-April 2027), a recognition of the rich historical heritage of the Kingdom’s capital and a realization of the enlightened Royal Vision aimed at establishing Rabat as the City of Light, Morocco’s Capital of Culture.
Upon his arrival to the Expo site, HRH the Crown Prince reviewed a detachment of the Royal Guard that paid the honors, before being greeted by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, governor of the Rabat prefecture, Mohamed Yacoubi, the president of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra regional council, Rachid El Abdi, the president of the municipal council, Fatiha El Moudni, and the president of the Souissi district council, Adil El Atrassi.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan was also greeted by the secretary general of the department of Communication of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini, British developer of the “LEGO” video game franchise (guest of honor of this edition), Erin Roberts, and the Commissioner of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, Nissrine Souissi.
(MAP – 19 May 2026)