Faithful to its commitment to an education centered on the human and social dimension of the student, associated with technical skills, and research with a strong socio-economic impact, the university announced the creation of this laboratory which will be located within of the “School of Science and Engineering”, indicates a press release from the university, noting that this laboratory will be dedicated to the digital transformation of public services.
“This innovative initiative aims to strengthen the efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness of public services through advanced digital solutions,” it is emphasized.
Open to Moroccan and African institutions, the new Al Akhawayn laboratory will collaborate with national and international leaders to design innovative digital solutions, explains the same source.
Through strategic partnerships, this project aims to support government agencies in strengthening their capacities and adopting modern tools, both technical and governance, to accelerate digital transformation and promote greater inclusiveness.
In this same dynamic, AUI co-organized, on November 21 and 22 in Ifrane, with the Upanzi network, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg) and the University of Botswana, the Symposium on Cybersecurity and Digital Identity in Africa.
This event brought together more than 100 experts from the academic, government, voluntary and private sectors to discuss the critical challenges of cybersecurity and digital identity solutions.
The objectives of the symposium were divided into several axes, namely the analysis of the current state of cybersecurity in Africa and proposing resilient infrastructures, the exploration of the role of digital identity initiatives in digital transformation and e -governance and identification of strategies to improve cybersecurity training within institutions.
It was also about promoting partnerships between universities, governments and private companies to innovate in cybersecurity and encouraging solutions adapted to the African context.
This ambitious initiative illustrates Al Akhawayn’s commitment to supporting Africa’s sustainable development through digital innovation and strengthening its role as a regional leader in education and digital transformation.
What are the key benefits of digital transformation for public services in Africa?
Interview: The Future of Public Services Through Digital Transformation
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to our interview segment! Today, we’re exploring an exciting development in the realm of education and public services. Joining us is Dr. Ahmed El Ghamari, an expert in digital transformation and public management. Dr. El Ghamari, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Dr. El Ghamari: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a pivotal initiative.
Time.news Editor: Recently, the university announced the creation of a new laboratory dedicated to the digital transformation of public services. Can you tell us why this focus on digital transformation is crucial for public services in Morocco and Africa?
Dr. El Ghamari: Absolutely! Digital transformation is vital because it enhances the efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness of public services. In many African countries, including Morocco, there are significant challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and unequal access to services. By harnessing advanced digital solutions, we can streamline processes, improve accessibility, and foster a more participatory approach in governance.
Time.news Editor: That’s an insightful point. The press release noted that this laboratory will have a strong socio-economic impact. How do you see this playing out in real-world situations?
Dr. El Ghamari: Well, let’s look at it this way: When public services become more efficient, citizens experience shorter wait times and less red tape. This not only improves their overall quality of life but also strengthens trust in government institutions. Moreover, by collaborating with national and international leaders, the lab can leverage diverse insights and technologies to create solutions tailored to local contexts, resulting in greater socio-economic benefits.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like collaboration is key to the success of this initiative. How do you envision the laboratory working with both Moroccan and African institutions?
Dr. El Ghamari: Collaboration opens up a wealth of opportunities. By working with other institutions across Africa, the laboratory can share knowledge and best practices, learning from the successes and challenges faced by different countries. This cross-border approach can foster innovation and lead to solutions that are not just effective locally, but also scalable regionally.
Time.news Editor: It seems like this initiative is much more than just a laboratory—it’s a movement towards better governance. What kind of advanced digital solutions do you think could be prioritized in this laboratory?
Dr. El Ghamari: Some promising areas include implementing e-governance platforms that facilitate citizen engagement, using data analytics for policy-making, and creating mobile applications that allow citizens to access services more easily. Furthermore, solutions that promote transparency, like blockchain technology for public contracts, could significantly reduce corruption and build trust.
Time.news Editor: Very intriguing possibilities! Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our readers about the importance of this laboratory and its initiative?
Dr. El Ghamari: I would encourage everyone to pay attention to this initiative as it embodies a crucial step towards modernization in public administration. It’s about empowering citizens and ensuring that public services are responsive to the needs of the community. The stakes are high, and the potential for positive change is immense—a digital transformation could truly revolutionize how governance functions in Morocco and beyond.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El Ghamari, for sharing your expertise and insights on this exciting development. We look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves and impacts public services.
Dr. El Ghamari: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this unfolds as well.