Morocco has announced plans to build a large-scale, 500-megawatt data center powered by renewable energy in Dakhla, located in Western Sahara. The announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Digital Transition, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, in a statement to reporters.
The new facility will play a critical role in reinforcing the country’s digital infrastructure and strengthening its data security capabilities. While Seghrouchni did not disclose the specific timeline or cost of the project, the center is expected to be a major step in ensuring that sensitive data is stored and processed within national borders.
“These data centers are essential for digital sovereignty,” said Seghrouchni. “Through this network of data centers, the nation not only asserts its digital sovereignty, but also its ambition to become a regional digital hub serving Africa.” 
The Dakhla data centre will follow the model of Morocco’s first national facility, which was launched at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in January. That centre currently provides cloud hosting services to both public institutions and private companies across the country.
As more nations invest in digital infrastructure, data centres have become vital for maintaining control over information systems. They are often operated by state or private entities, but remain legally governed by the host country, ensuring full compliance with national data regulations.
The construction of the Dakhla facility is part of Morocco’s larger digital transformation agenda. The government plans to invest 11 billion dirhams (approximately $1.22 billion) between 2024 and 2026 to modernise its digital infrastructure.
This investment package includes initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, expanding fibre optic coverage, and supporting digital innovation. The goal is to position Morocco as a key player in Africa’s digital economy while improving the quality, speed, and security of digital services available to its citizens and businesses.
By linking renewable energy to data storage, the Dakhla center is also aligned with Morocco’s environmental and sustainability goals. The integration of clean energy in large-scale tech projects highlights the country’s dual commitment to climate action and technological growth.
As the digital economy becomes increasingly vital to development, Morocco’s push to secure its data landscape reflects a proactive approach to sovereignty, innovation, and continental leadership. The Dakhla project could become a model for African nations seeking to build green and secure digital ecosystems.
