Nokia inaugurates in Morocco its first innovation center in Africa & Middle East

The Finnish multinational telecommunications and information technology corporation has inaigurated its first innovation center in Africa and the Middle East, in Salé, Rabat’s twin city.

The innovation center is equipped with advanced technologies spanning over fixed, IP and optical networks from Nokia’s entire portfolio of network infrastructure. This infrastructure has been tested and developed by Moroccan competences and engineers, before being exported to markets in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition said in a press release.

The center plays a key role in developing digital skills, supporting 5G readiness, and stimulating innovation throughout the EMEA region. It also strengthens Nokia’s presence in Morocco’s ICT ecosystem by supporting scholarship programs and offering hands-on training to engineering schools and universities, in addition to certifications for some 500 students over the next three years, the press release said.

Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform Ghita Mezzour, who attended the inauguration ceremony of the Nokia innovation center, said “the launch of the Nokia Innovation Center in Morocco reflects our country’s ability to attract leading technology companies and encourage innovation on the African continent, drawing primarily on the skills and experience of Moroccan engineers in this field.” This center will bolster “our position as a regional hub for digital services across the EMEA region,” she said.

The Kingdom’s various initiatives in the field of digitalization are an embodiment of the vision of King Mohammed VI, who called for developing technical infrastructure to accompany the digital sector’s rapid growth.

During the inauguration ceremony, a presentation was made on Nokia’s recent innovations specially designed for major sporting events, with a particular focus on football.