As Africa accelerates into a digitally-driven future, Morocco is emerging as a leading hub for innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent ahead of Gitex Africa 2025.
All eyes now turn to Marrakech, which will host the highly anticipated GITEX AFRICA Morocco from April 14–16, 2025—Africa’s largest tech and startup gathering.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the event is backed by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in collaboration with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and organized by KAOUN International—the global events arm of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). With more than 45,000 visitors expected from over 130 countries and 1,450+ exhibitors, the event is set to shape the next chapter of Africa’s digital transformation.
During a recent press briefing in Rabat, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, described the event as a strategic opportunity to spotlight Africa’s digital talent and potential. She emphasized that Morocco’s role as host reflects deliberate investments aimed at positioning the nation as a regional leader in digital innovation. The event, she noted, aligns closely with the Royal Vision, which calls for the development of tech infrastructure, cultivation of digital talent, and the promotion of a responsible digital culture across society.
Echoing these sentiments, Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said GITEX AFRICA Morocco is now a milestone on the global tech calendar. It reflects a growing confidence in Africa’s potential not just to consume technology, but to shape and create it. The event seamlessly merges investment, innovation, research, and policy in one platform, symbolizing Africa’s commitment to owning its digital future.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, highlighted the significance of the 2025 edition, calling it a gateway to ushering African economies into the age of AI evolution. She emphasized the collective responsibility of governments, businesses, and innovators to prepare for this leap by building the right capabilities and ecosystems.
This year’s GITEX AFRICA will host delegations and exhibitors from emerging African markets such as Gabon, Niger, and Zambia, as well as countries beyond the continent including Belgium, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan. The diversity of participants highlights growing international interest in Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
Also Read: What Google’s Latest Layoffs Mean for Product Innovation at Android, Pixel & Beyond
Fueling this momentum is the resurgence of startup funding across the continent. African startups have bounced back with funding now surpassing $2 billion, signaling renewed investor confidence. Major players like the European Innovation Council (EIC), Europe’s largest deep-tech investor, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), are set to engage directly with founders and innovators at GITEX AFRICA. The IFC will spotlight 10 standout women-led African startups through its SheWins Africa program.
Over 1,500 investor meetings are scheduled, featuring more than 350 investors from 35 countries with a collective $200 billion in assets under management. High-profile names such as AFRICINVEST, Techstars, and Ventures Platform are looking to discover and fund Africa’s next big idea. The startup ecosystem will also come alive through features like the Supernova Challenge—Africa’s largest early-stage startup competition—and a special fireside chat with Awa Gueye, co-founder of Africa’s billion-dollar fintech, Wave Mobile Money.
Meanwhile, Morocco will continue pushing its local innovation agenda with the “Morocco 200” initiative, aimed at taking local startups global. GITEX AFRICA’s startup showcase will connect visitors, investors, and entrepreneurs across sectors and borders, offering an unmatched platform for collaboration and deal-making.
The event is also attracting tech powerhouses such as Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, China Mobile, and Salesforce. In a show of regional strength, Saudi Made and Presight (part of the AI-powered G42 group from the UAE) will make their debut, expanding the show’s footprint and fostering cross-continental collaboration.
GITEX AFRICA 2025 will go beyond its core themes of AI, cybersecurity, and telecoms, with new focus areas including energy transition, smart mobility, edtech, agritech, and sports tech—offering a holistic view of the role digital technology will play in transforming every aspect of life and work in Africa.
As Morocco steps boldly into the spotlight, the 2025 edition of GITEX AFRICA promises to be more than just an event—it’s a bold declaration of Africa’s readiness to lead in digital innovation. It is a defining moment for the continent’s tech future, signaling that Africa is not only participating in the global digital economy, but shaping it on its own terms.
