Morocco Climbs to 76th in Global Network Readiness Index

Morocco has risen to 76th place in the 2024 Network Readiness Index (NRI), improving by one position from its 2023 ranking. The NRI, a collaborative effort between the Portulans Institute and the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, evaluates 133 economies on their ability to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT).

Using a scale from 0 to 100, the index assesses four key pillars: technology, people, governance, and impact. These pillars are analyzed through 54 specific performance indicators.

Globally, the United States maintained its top ranking for the third consecutive year, followed by Singapore, Finland, and Sweden. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Morocco placed eighth, surpassing nations like Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria but falling behind Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The NRI’s authors, Soumitra Dutta and Bruno Lanvin, highlighted the vital role of digital public-private partnerships (DPPPs) in driving technological progress. These partnerships, distinct from traditional collaborations, are flexible frameworks that facilitate rapid innovation and efficient public service delivery.

“The pandemic demonstrated how digital infrastructure can transform public services,” noted Dutta, citing successful applications like telemedicine and online education.

The report advocates for strong governance mechanisms to ensure transparency and shared accountability, urging nations to adopt innovative financing approaches such as blended funding models for sustainable development.

Morocco's Performance: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Morocco’s strongest performance was in the technology pillar, where it ranked 64th globally, reflecting advancements in its digital infrastructure. The country also performed well in the people pillar (72nd), which measures ICT adoption by individuals, businesses, and government entities.

However, Morocco lagged in governance (83rd) and impact (99th), signaling a need to improve policy frameworks and translate digital innovations into tangible societal benefits.

Global Digital Disparities

The NRI also highlighted significant disparities in digital readiness worldwide. While advanced economies excel in AI adoption and technological innovation, regions like sub-Saharan Africa continue to grapple with substantial challenges. At the bottom of the rankings were Chad, Burundi, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Governments, businesses, and civil society must collaborate to build trust and unlock technology’s potential for enhancing social and economic well-being,” Dutta added.

A Roadmap for the Digital Era

First introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2002, the NRI was revamped in 2019 to better capture the interplay between technology, governance, and human development. Now in its sixth edition, the index serves as a strategic guide for nations navigating the complexities of the digital age.

By continuing to invest in ICT infrastructure and fostering innovative partnerships, Morocco can further solidify its position in the global digital landscape.