Digital maturity of the local authority

What does the city mean by “smart city”?

For Benguerir, the principles of a smart city include centralised governance, renewable energy, and ICT infrastructure. A smart city is one that optimises resources, gives comfort to citizens, and manages services better.

Furthermore, for Benguerir, a smart city also forms new kinds of interactions between its citizens, businesses and public services, because of improved speed and flexibility. Individual requests can be responded to and information communicated in real-time.

What relevant projects have been done to date?

A digital transformation plan is currently in the process of being refined, with progress towards the plan not yet measurable.

Rehamna Province is currently engaged in a project using culture and innovation as a vector for social inclusion and human development, particularly in the fields of digital, renewable energy and ecological construction.

There are a range of national strategies that have been implemented across Morocco that have a focus on digital technology. The National Initiative for Human Development version 3.0 is based on digital technology for economic and social development. And the Morocco Digital 2020 Strategy is underway, helping to grow the digital economy of the country.

Benguerir has recently conducted digital projects in its mission to become a green city. Of this strategy, renew- able energy and innovation are key components.

What are the plans for the future?

For the coming years, Benguerir’s digital initiatives include the completion of an OCP-owned data centre – in partnership with IBM – which will be housed in the Tech Park.

A Mediatheque library for adults and children, including an amphitheatre, is also due to be completed.

There is, finally, an ambition to create a local development agency which manages the development of both the old and new parts of the city.