Moroccan innovator wins global AI trading award

Moroccan financial technology has reached a historic milestone with Mustafa Belkhayat being named the World Champion in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Commodity Trading at the prestigious AIM 2025 conference an international platform spotlighting innovation and investment. This recognition marks a first for both Morocco and Africa in this advanced technological domain.

Belkhayat’s award-winning achievement stems from years of dedicated research and innovation. He and his team created a cutting-edge trading model using “nowcasting” technology, which works in real time and is enhanced by reinforcement learning algorithms. Rather than trying to predict long-term trends, their system focuses on identifying the most opportune market moments.

“We don’t aim to foresee the future,” Belkhayat explained, “but to capture key moments where the best opportunities lie.”

A defining aspect of this system is its accessibility. Unlike traditional trading technologies that are typically reserved for hedge funds and large financial institutions, Belkhayat’s solution is designed for medium-sized players such as sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and independent traders. Its intuitive interface removes entry barriers while offering global-standard tools.

Amid ongoing debates about the role of AI, Belkhayat made it clear that his system is meant to support, not replace, human decision-making. “Artificial intelligence here acts as an intelligent assistant,” he said, “helping reduce analytical overload while keeping humans in control of strategy and vision.”

During the conference, Belkhayat demonstrated the power of his algorithm in real-time. A live crude oil trade generated $10,000 in profit within minutes, earning enthusiastic applause from hundreds of attending investors.

Accepting the award, Belkhayat highlighted the importance of African participation in the digital era. Proud of his Moroccan roots, he stated, “Today, Morocco proves it can compete with Silicon Valley in the high-stakes arena of financial algorithms.”

He also pointed out that his platform is the first UAE-based fintech to be officially licensed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The system had already gained recognition by winning the CME Global Trading Competition in 2024.

Belkhayat concluded by encouraging investment in AI, especially across African institutions. “Africa is rich in talent,” he said. “Our universities must turn toward this promising sector it’s a key to financial independence and a strategic pillar for the future.”