E-gates and biometric technology are making their way into Moroccan airports as the country moves towards modernising its gateways.

Morocco’s National Airports Authority recently unveiled a development plan called ‘Decollage 2025’, that would see a complete upgrade of airport technology in preparation for major events, We Are Tech. These include next year’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup which Morocco is set to co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Among the technological upgrades include installing e-gates portal that speed up the immigration process by using biometric technology to verify identities. The gates will be tested next year at Rabat-Sale Airport’s new terminal before being rolled out at other major gateways.

Morocco is also looking to transform its gateways into ‘Smart Airports’ that monitor facilities in real-time and enable staff to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

Mohammed Abdeljalil, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics said funds have been allocated for the tech upgrades and a team of experts have been recruited to oversee the process.

“This unit will oversee the implementation of projects aimed at bolstering the digital transformation of the Office across all its activities,” he said.

Morocco’s investment in airport technology is the latest in a series of tourism upgrades and investments designed to improve facilities ahead of international events and boost overall visitation. Recently Morocco’s National Tourist Office announced an investment in the country’s hospitality sector that would include the adoption of sustainable practises as well as comprehensive staff training to meet international standards.