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18-Apr-2025

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GITEX AFRICA: Morocco Hosts Pivotal AI and Digital Innovation Launchpad 1 week ago

Morocco is set to reaffirm its central role in shaping Africa's digital landscape at the upcoming GITEX AFRICA event, scheduled to take place in Marrakech from April 14-16, 2025. As the nation continues its evolution into a tech-driven hub, it positions itself as a reference point for the continent's burgeoning recognition as a global force in technology, with a focus on innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) at its core.

This message was underscored by key speakers during a press conference in Rabat, marking the anticipation of Africa's largest tech and startup event. GITEX AFRICA is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, with the backing of the Kingdom's Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in collaboration with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and organized by KAOUN International—the overseas event agency of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Mrs. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in Morocco, stated, "Morocco's choice to host this major continental event is a testament to our commitment to showcasing Africa's digital and technological talents. This is part of a broader effort to position our country as a regional digital hub, as guided by the High Royal Guidelines of His Majesty the King, which emphasize the importance of training skilled professionals in various digital fields and fostering a culture of responsible digitalization."

Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, emphasized the significance of GITEX Africa Morocco, stating, "It has become a key annual milestone on the global tech agenda, embodying the continent's determination not just to consume technology but to create it." He highlighted the event as a convergence of innovation, investment, research, and institutional collaboration.

Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer of KAOUN International, remarked, "This third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco will usher the African economies into a new epoch of AI evolution. We anticipate great opportunities for businesses and societies, contingent upon our collective commitment to developing the capacity for this transition."

Set to attract over 45,000 visitors and participants from more than 130 countries, GITEX AFRICA has expanded to feature over 1,450 exhibitors, including new representations from Gabon, Niger, and Zambia, as well as European and Asian markets from Belgium, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan.

Fueling Africa's Startup Ecosystem

As funding for African startups rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, exceeding $2 billion, international investors are increasingly focused on Africa's growing startup ecosystem. The event will feature participation from the European Innovation Council (EIC), Europe's largest deep-tech investor, alongside the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which will showcase standout African startups as part of its SheWins Africa program.

With over 350 investors from 35 countries expected to engage in more than 1,500 facilitated meetings, the appetite for sustainable and viable tech solutions has never been greater. Investors from firms like AFRICINVEST, Techstars, and Ventures Platform bring more than $200 billion in assets under management, ready to support Africa's next big ideas.

The spotlight will also shine on African and international startups through various show features, including an interview with Awa Gueye, co-founder of the billion-dollar startup Wave Mobile Money, and the Supernova Challenge, which is Africa's largest early-stage startup competition. Additionally, the Moroccan government, in partnership with ADD, will boost the globalization of Moroccan startups through the Morocco 200 initiative.

International Tech Giants Debut at GITEX AFRICA

The event will also see the debut of international tech giants, including Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, China Mobile, and Salesforce, all eager to explore growth opportunities and forge new partnerships. Furthermore, the strong Middle Eastern representation will be amplified by entities like Saudi Made, celebrating the Kingdom's technological innovations, and Presight, a leading AI-powered big data analytics company.

Building on the success of previous editions, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is set to enhance its influence and impact on Africa's digital landscape. The 2025 edition boasts an expanded agenda that transcends its traditional focus on AI, cybersecurity, and telecommunications, now encompassing energy transition, mobility, edutech, sports technologies, and agritech.

GITEX AFRICA promises not only to spotlight the rich tapestry of Africa's tech innovations but also to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and growth across the continent's digital ecosystem. As Morocco takes center stage, the event is poised to shape the future of technology in Africa and beyond.

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