Rabat to Deploy 4,000 AI-Powered Cameras to Enhance Urban Security

Rabat is launching one of the most ambitious surveillance infrastructure projects in North Africa. By the end of 2025, the city plans to install 4,000 AI-powered cameras equipped with facial recognition, license plate detection, and behavior analytics. The goal: to enhance security, support law enforcement, and prepare the capital for major international events including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Key Facts

• Location: Rabat, Morocco
• Sector: Urban Security / Public Safety / Smart Infrastructure
• AI Application: Facial recognition, behavioral analysis, license plate recognition
• Technologies Used: AI, IoT, video analytics, centralized command centers
• Technology Partner(s): Alomra Group International, Finatech Group
• Timeline: Completion by end of 2025
• Lead Stakeholders: Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Moroccan Interior Ministry
• Funding: MAD 108 million (~€9.9 million)

Project Context

Rabat’s decision to modernize its surveillance network comes amid growing urbanization, security concerns, and the city’s strategic role in hosting high-profile global events. The city’s two-phase surveillance rollout begins with infrastructure: constructing two advanced command centers and high-capacity data storage systems. Phase two involves deployment of the camera network itself. The initiative is led by the Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Morocco’s Interior Ministry. Finatech Group is managing the infrastructure development, while Alomra Group International is handling the system deployment.

Implementation

The AI technologies used in Rabat’s surveillance system go beyond conventional CCTV. Facial recognition is powered by neural network-based vision models trained to detect and match facial features in real time, even in low-light conditions or from challenging angles. These models compare live video with national or regional image databases to identify persons of interest.

License plate recognition uses deep learning–based optical character recognition (OCR), which reads and logs vehicle plates rapidly as they pass by cameras—critical for tracking suspect vehicles or enforcing traffic violations. Behavior detection algorithms monitor crowd dynamics and motion patterns, flagging unusual activities such as rapid dispersals, loitering, or directional anomalies. These AI systems are designed to improve over time through feedback loops and new datasets, making them more accurate and adaptable with continued use.

Alomra Group International is responsible for deploying the physical camera network and integrating the software systems that enable real-time detection, alert generation, and data sharing with law enforcement. Finatech Group is developing the underlying infrastructure—data centers, command platforms, fiber connectivity—that allows AI modules to process and act on the city’s visual data continuously and at scale.

The project’s infrastructure phase includes:

• Construction of two command-and-control centers
• Installation of a centralized data platform to process and store video and analytics
• Fiber connectivity and integration with existing municipal infrastructure

Impact

Once fully deployed, the AI-powered camera network is expected to significantly upgrade Rabat’s capacity to maintain public safety and respond to incidents. Law enforcement will be able to track and address events in real time, aided by facial recognition, license plate matching, and behavioral alerts.

The searchable video archive will support faster investigations, while real-time monitoring enhances situational awareness during major events like the Africa Cup of Nations. Authorities will also gain better tools to manage large crowds and urban movement patterns. These systems are designed not just to deter crime, but to make the city more efficient and responsive to emerging security challenges.

Why It Matters

This initiative signals Rabat’s transition from traditional surveillance to AI-assisted urban security. By shifting from reactive video review to real-time alert systems powered by AI, the city is modernizing how public safety is managed. The ability to detect threats dynamically—without requiring constant human monitoring—marks a significant advancement in how urban risks are anticipated and addressed.

Sources

Morocco World News: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/03/186146/4000-ai-cameras-coming-to-rabat-security-boost-or-privacy-threat/

Kurrant: https://kurrant.com/kurrantly-news/rabat-to-install-4000-ai-surveillance-cameras-by-end-of-2025/

We Are Tech Africa: https://www.wearetech.africa/en/fils-uk/news/tech/morocco-to-deploy-4-000-smart-cameras-in-rabat-by-year-end