Hajar Mousannif
Cadi Ayyad University

A professor of computer science at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Hajar Mousannif founded Morocco’s first master’s programme in artificial intelligence in 2017. She is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished and innovative AI researchers. The author of around 100 scientific publications and recipient of numerous distinctions—including the L’Oréal–UNESCO Award (2013) and the Global AI Inclusion Award (2020)—Mousannif has played a pioneering role in advancing AI research in Morocco. In 2020, working alongside her students, she developed Shama, Morocco’s first humanoid robot. The international recognition of her research has helped establish Morocco as one of the continent’s emerging AI hubs. Her current work focuses on practical applications with direct social impact: an agricultural robot capable of analysing soil and removing weeds, and an AI-powered road safety system developed in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Transport. A member of the Edge AI Foundation and an expert contributing to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mousannif advocates for an ethical approach to artificial intelligence that places human well-being at its centre. Her ambition is to build stronger bridges between universities and the private sector, ensuring that Morocco fully benefits from the opportunities created by the AI revolution.