Nokia launches first innovation center in Africa and the Middle East in Salé

Ghita Mezzour, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, inaugurated Nokia's first innovation center in Africa and the Middle East in Salé on Tuesday. The event was attended by the Finnish Ambassador to Morocco, Marjaana Sall, and the US Ambassador, Puneet Talwar, along with other public and private sector representatives.

According to a press release from the Ministry, this innovation center features cutting-edge technology, covering fixed, IP, and optical networks from Nokia’s complete network infrastructure portfolio. The infrastructures have been developed and tested by Moroccan engineers before being exported to markets across the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa).

The center will play a pivotal role in developing digital skills, fostering 5G readiness, and driving innovation in the EMEA region. Additionally, it will bolster Nokia’s presence in Morocco’s ICT ecosystem, supporting scholarship programs and offering hands-on training to students from engineering schools and universities. Over the next three years, around 500 students are expected to receive certifications through these programs.