The Kingdom of Morocco has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch the new Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub. The launch, which took place on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), establishes a major new facility dedicated to helping countries in the Arab States region and Africa harness digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The D4SD Hub aims to strengthen regional and cross-regional cooperation, addressing the systemic challenges that have prevented the two regions from keeping pace with global digital transformation.
AI at the Heart of Inclusive Development
Digital transformation, with AI at its core, is rapidly reshaping economies worldwide. However, the Arab and African regions face challenges including fragmented systems, high costs, misaligned policies, regulations, and talent gaps. The D4SD Hub is positioned to respond to this urgency by serving as a platform to co-create, pilot, and scale people-centred and inclusive solutions.
HE Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, declared: “The adoption of Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a decisive global issue, and Morocco is determined to play an active role by harnessing this technology in the service of inclusive and sustainable human development.”
The Hub will promote AI-powered services in key development areas, including health, education, climate resilience, and governance, while specifically empowering women and youth as leaders of the digital age.
$38 Million Commitment to Lasting Change
Prior to the launch, Morocco and the UNDP signed the project document establishing the Hub with a total budget of US$38 million over three years. This includes US$8 million from the Government of Morocco and an in-kind contribution of US$1 million from the UNDP.
Haoliang Xu, UNDP’s Acting Administrator, said: “Digital transformation is a cornerstone of UNDP’s newly adopted 2026–2029 Strategic Plan—an essential accelerator of systemic change across all areas of development. We are committed to helping governments harness AI in ways that build trust, ensure transparency, and promote equity. Through the D4SD Hub, Morocco and UNDP are creating a platform for countries to co-design, test, and scale digital solutions that serve people and the planet.”
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and asserts Morocco’s leadership and commitment to South-South cooperation for digital transformation.
HE Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, asserted: “The initiative that we are launching today reflects Morocco’s steadfast determination to make technology a driver of equity, innovation, and opportunity, both within our borders and across Africa and the Arab region. The D4SD Hub translates Morocco’s vision of a digital future that leaves no one behind into a concrete reality, backed with our strong commitment and the collective expertise of our partners.”
The launch event also facilitated deliberation on means to forge an AI and Data Science Alliance for Arab States and Africa—a multi-stakeholder platform designed to harmonize standards, strengthen talent development, and promote the responsible use of AI for sustainable development in close coordination with the D4SD Hub.
