The adoption of generative artificial intelligence in Morocco remains limited, with the share of users not exceeding 10.9% in 2025—equivalent to one person out of ten—according to a recent report by Microsoft highlighting the persistence of the digital divide between the Global North and South.
According to the report entitled “Global AI Adoption in 2025 – A Widening Digital Divide,” Morocco ranks fifth in North Africa in terms of generative AI adoption, behind Libya (13.7%), Egypt (13.4%), Tunisia (12.7%), and Algeria (12%). At the African level, Morocco placed 12th, in a ranking led by South Africa, which recorded an adoption rate of 21.29%.
Global Ranking Below the Average
Globally, Morocco ranked 87th, falling within the group of countries where generative AI usage ranges between 10% and 19% of the population. By contrast, some countries report adoption rates exceeding 40%, while others fall into intermediate categories between 20% and 39%.
Despite this position, the report notes a slight improvement in Morocco’s adoption rate, with an increase of 0.3 percentage points between the first and second halves of the year. However, this growth remains below the global average, which rose from 15.1% to 16.3% over the same period—an increase of 1.2 percentage points.
A Digital Divide Between North and South
At the global level, the report estimates that one in six people currently uses generative AI tools—described as a “remarkable advance” for a technology that has only recently entered everyday use. Nevertheless, Microsoft underscores the persistence of a clear gap between Northern and Southern countries, with adoption levels in the former exceeding those in the latter by more than double.
The report links these disparities to the scale of early investment in digital infrastructure, AI training and skills development, as well as the role of public policies in accelerating adoption.
Leading Countries and the Rise of New Players
In this context, the United Arab Emirates tops the global ranking, with an adoption rate reaching 64% of the working-age population by the end of 2025, up from 59.4% earlier in the year—well ahead of Singapore (60.9%). The group of countries with high adoption levels (≥40%) also includes Norway, Ireland, France, Spain, and New Zealand.
The report also highlights the notable rise of the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek, which has helped reduce technical and financial barriers to AI use. As a result, the platform has seen growing uptake in countries such as China and Russia, as well as Cuba, Iran, and Belarus. The report further notes its expanding presence in Africa, reflecting broader dynamics of technological competition between China and the United States.
Report Methodology
The report measures the proportion of the population that has used generative AI tools—such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot—based on anonymized data, adjusted according to criteria including population size, internet access levels, and patterns of device and digital system usage.
Source: Fes News Media
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