Ceuta does not slow down its technology hub: it will activate a data centre, a generative AI factory and a centre for digital nomads

Ceuta will continue with its strategy to consolidate itself as a technological and business hub. This has been confirmed by the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Karim Bulaix, who assures that the current situation will not paralyze the investments developed during the last five years.

"We are not going to stop," Bulaix said in an interview with OKDIARIO. The Chamber will continue to work to meet the schedules committed to companies and investors.

1. The technology hub maintains its roadmap

Bulaix explained that the Chamber will continue to promote all the planned projects because stopping them would mean renouncing the work done to transform Ceuta's economic model.

This roadmap is especially relevant for the online gaming sector, one of the main drivers of Ceuta's economic transformation and a major demander of digital services, connectivity, data storage and cybersecurity.

2. The data center will start operating between September and October

Bulaix has announced that between September and October it will come into operation what it presents as the first data center in Africa subject to European legislation.

The infrastructure will offer local capacity to store, manage and protect information, as well as facilitating the operational continuity of digital companies installed in Ceuta.

The project maintains a direct connection with the online gaming ecosystem. The documentation released by PROCESA includes agreements with Bet on Ceuta, an association that brings together companies in the sector based in the city.

PROCESA identifies technology and online gaming companies as part of the potential demand for this infrastructure. He also highlights fibre optics, mobile connectivity and submarine links with the Peninsula as strategic advantages. Information from PROCESA about the data center.

For operators and iGaming providers, having on-premises infrastructure can facilitate system hosting, information management, cybersecurity, activity analysis, and service continuity.

3. A generative artificial intelligence factory before December

The second major project is a generative artificial intelligence factory, which is scheduled to be put into operation before December.

Although its technical characteristics have not yet been detailed, the initiative can expand the capabilities of the Ceuta digital hub and generate opportunities for companies specializing in automation, customer service, data analysis, fraud prevention, marketing and software development.

These areas maintain a growing connection to online gambling. Operators and suppliers are incorporating artificial intelligence to personalize services, automate processes, detect risk patterns and strengthen operational controls.

The factory can help Ceuta evolve from a centre for the establishment of operators to a broader ecosystem of B2B technological services.

4. A center for digital nomads will open in October

The third action confirmed by Bulaix is the opening in October of a center for digital nomads.

The project aims to attract professionals capable of carrying out their activity remotely and reinforce Ceuta's position as a destination for specialised workers, entrepreneurs and digital companies.

Attracting talent represents one of the main challenges of online gambling in the city. PROCESA estimates that more than thirty companies have been established and more than 1,200 jobs linked to the sector.

These companies demand professionals who specialize in CRM, customer service, technology, marketing, regulatory compliance, payments, fraud prevention, and player protection. Information from PROCESA on training and employment.

5. Online gambling, an essential part of the new economic model

The continuity of these projects reinforces the technological environment needed by operators and suppliers established in Ceuta.

The data center can provide storage and processing capacity; the artificial intelligence factory can power advanced services; and the Digital Nomad Center can facilitate the onboarding of specialized talent.

This combination will allow the ecosystem created around online gaming to expand to B2B activities related to software, data, cybersecurity, payments, marketing, regulatory compliance and customer service.

The aim is for Ceuta to be not only a place from which online gambling companies operate, but a comprehensive technological hub capable of developing and exporting digital services.

6. Projects will continue despite the economic impact

The confirmation comes at a particularly complicated time for the Ceuta business fabric. According to estimates by the Chamber of Commerce, the crisis could generate an impact of close to 28 million euros during August, equivalent to 1.4% of the city's annual GDP.

Bulaix has also warned about the damage suffered by commerce, restaurants and tourism, in addition to the deterioration of Ceuta's image after several years dedicated to attracting investment and companies.

Despite this scenario, the president of the Chamber maintains that stopping technological projects would mean renouncing investments already committed and weakening future recovery.

The continuity of the data center, the artificial intelligence factory and the center for digital nomads sends a signal of stability to the business sector.

For the online gaming industry, these infrastructures will strengthen the technological and talent environment that Ceuta needs to consolidate itself as one of the main Spanish iGaming hubs.

Bulaix concluded with an appeal to entrepreneurs, investors and visitors to support the recovery: "Come and visit us and help us rebuild".

Full interview with Karim Bulaix in OKDIARIO