In a context marked by the growing scale of cyber threats and the gradual obsolescence of traditional solutions, the Kingdom of Morocco has taken a strategic step forward with the establishment of the Cybersecurity Innovation Center (CIC), a public interest entity aimed at strengthening the National digital resilience architecture. This initiative forms part of the strategic orientations intended to position the Kingdom as a leading reference in the fields of cybersecurity research, training, and innovation.

Accordingly, the Joint Order issued by the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation and the Minister of Economy and Finance has been published in the Official Bulletin No. 7407, dated May 6th, 2025, thereby formalizing the creation of this center in the form of a Public Interest Group (GIP), pursuant to the provisions of Law No. 08.00 and its implementing texts.

The establishment of the CIC is based on an expanded institutional partnership. In addition to the signatory ministries, the following entities are stakeholders in the project:

• The Administration of National Defense;
• The Ministry Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget;
• The Ministry Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of the Digital Transition and the Administrative Reform;

• Mohammed V University of Rabat, as a key player in training and research, vested with legal personality and managerial autonomy.

   

The CIC constitutes a strategic lever designed to bring together the efforts of public, academic, and private stakeholders around a common objective: the development of advanced National expertise in cybersecurity, both in academic and technical terms.

The CIC will carry out a multidimensional mission for the benefit of its members, including in particular:

• Higher education in cybersecurity professions;
• Fundamental and applied research on emerging threats;
• Technological development and innovation;

• Shared management of specialized infrastructure.

   

These activities will be undertaken within the framework of close partnerships with academic and professional actors from both the public and private sectors. The Center will also contribute to the dynamism of the cybersecurity start-up ecosystem, by providing a conducive environment for experimentation, incubation, and the valorization of innovation.

The establishment of the CIC embodies a strong political will to anticipate digital threats and to strengthen the National digital sovereignty, by promoting the emergence of local expertise, innovative solutions, and synergies between the public, private, and academic sectors.

Ultimately, the CIC is intended to become a central actor in the National collective intelligence system, capable of responding effectively to current and future challenges related to information systems security, critical infrastructure protection, and the protection of sensitive data.