Dataprotect is strengthening its presence in the Gulf with a new branch in Dubai. What is the strategy behind this expansion?

Ali El Azzouzi: Dubai is, for us, a strategic hub to reach Gulf markets, where demand for cybersecurity is growing rapidly. After Paris in 2016 and Abidjan in 2022, this new branch brings us closer to clients in the GCC. By leveraging our expertise, our experience, and our many globally recognized accreditations, we believe our value proposition is perfectly aligned with the needs of our clients in the region. In 2024, 60% of our revenue—250 million dirhams, with growth of over 20%—came from exports.

What levers have you activated to boost your sustained international growth?

Two pillars: human capital and accreditations. We employ 200 people, including 150 experts dedicated to cybersecurity. On the certification side, we are, for example, the only African company accredited as a PFI (Payment Forensic Investigator). This label, combined with other accreditations such as PASSI, PCI QSA, PCI PIN, PCI 3DS, PCI QPA, PCI SSF, and PCI CP, strengthens our credibility with demanding clients in critical sectors such as finance, insurance, telecommunications, energy, etc….

Why do you maintain your Security Operations Center (SOC) in Casablanca despite your international expansion?

Because it’s our backbone. Our SOC based in Casanearshore provides continuous 24/7 monitoring of cyber threats for clients in Morocco, Africa, and Europe. Currently, we monitor over one million events per second. We have also invested in infrastructure with the capacity to triple the volume of monitored events without any expansion. The SOC symbolizes our commitment to digital sovereignty rooted in Africa. Casablanca remains a hub of cybersecurity talent, and Morocco is building a promising ecosystem that is not only capable of meeting local demand but also shining on the international stage.

What is your view on the role given to cybersecurity in the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy?

Morocco has made significant progress in the field of cybersecurity. In 2024, the Kingdom stood out as the only Maghreb country ranked in Tier 1 according to the Global Cybersecurity Index. This progress covered all five assessed dimensions: the legal framework, technical aspects, organization, skills development, and cooperation. It’s also worth noting that this advancement is the result of structural reforms, such as Law 05-20 and, above all, the national cybersecurity strategy led by the DGSSI, which was made public in July 2024. Its integration into the Morocco Digital 2030 roadmap is a relevant move that strengthens the coherence of public policies in this area.