His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government for the Kingdom of Morocco, inaugurates fourth edition as 1,450+ companies and participants from 130+ countries gather in Marrakech for AI, infrastructure and cross-border collaboration
GITEX AFRICA Morocco, the continent’s largest AI technology and startup show, today opened its fourth edition, convening the world’s most influential technology leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to advance Africa’s next phase of digital growth.
Taking place from 7-9 April in Marrakech, the event spearheads AI, digital infrastructure and frontier technologies reshaping Africa’s economic and societal systems. Responding to rising demands around sovereignty, connectivity, intra-African trade and domestic innovation, technology now sits at the centre of long-term progress for global competitiveness.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
The official inauguration ceremony was led by His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government, Kingdom of Morocco, who welcomed an international delegation of government leaders, global enterprises and institutional partners to Marrakech.
H.E. Akhannouch, said: “GITEX AFRICA was founded on a simple idea: to provide Africa with a platform to realise its full potential. Africa has the talent, energy and ambition. What it needs now is structured funding, targeted support for entrepreneurs, job-creating training programmes and integrated markets. To digital sector investors, I say: ‘we are ready’. This readiness is built on strong institutional stability, visionary leadership and a clear political commitment to prioritising the digital sector.”
Her Excellency Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, said: “The Moroccan technological ambition is a bold initiative that seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to build a technological power defined not by domination, but by its ability to unite, to place innovation at the service of development and the common good, on a global scale.”
Chakib Alj, President, General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), said: “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant promise; it is now a core economic infrastructure. The question is no longer whether we should engage – the question is how fast we engage and with what strategic positioning. As the voice of Morocco’s private sector, we are not here simply to observe – we want to be part of it.”
The inauguration session also brought together leading international and national dignitaries and industry leaders, reflecting the growing alignment between public policy, private sector innovation and global investment in shaping Africa’s digital future.
His Excellency Mouhamadou Youssifou, Dean of the African diplomatic corps accredited in Morocco, said: “Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise, but an everyday reality and a development accelerator. And digital sovereignty is no longer an option for African countries – it is an imperative. We must build ethical, transparent and sovereign AI, leading digital transformation through vision, regulation and infrastructure while ensuring no rural youth or vulnerable populations are left behind.”
His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, said: “Digital technologies will be key to unlocking Africa’s full potential – and GITEX provides an essential platform for exhibiting digital innovation, promoting cross-border collaboration and advancing trade integration in line with the objectives of the AfCFTA. Our digital trade protocol – the first of its kind in the world – offers Africa an opportunity not just to leapfrog, but to be at the cutting edge of digital innovation.”
H.E. Richard Duke Buchan III, Ambassador of the United States of America to Morocco, stated: “Some countries talk about the digital future, Morocco builds it. Where the world once saw only desert, His Majesty saw opportunity. The Kingdom today is buzzing with progress, standing as a pillar of stability, smart development, visionary thinking, and unlimited opportunity.”
Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said: “Today, the challenge is no longer simply to keep up with digital transformation. It is now about playing an active role in shaping it, and about building a digital ecosystem that can innovate, generate value, and drive meaningful progress. Turning these ambitions into reality necessarily requires stronger investment, closer cooperation among all stakeholders, and a deeper commitment to South-South collaboration, as a key driver for accelerating digital development across the African continent.”
This year’s programme reflects the breadth and urgency of Africa’s digital agenda, with expanded sector focus areas including Data Centre Intelligent Infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech and financial inclusion, future mobility and smart cities.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, said: “Morocco stands at a very powerful intersection with the right focus on investment, policy and partnerships, transforming challenges into opportunities, while GITEX provides a global connection with access to powerful networks, investments, opportunities, relationships, knowledge and new technology partnerships. With this bridge to the rest of the world, Morocco and Africa can rise not as an emerging player, but as a global stakeholder, in the new order of the digital economy.”
In parallel, North Star Africa, the continent’s largest startup showcase, brings together over 800 startups and more than 400 global investors managing significant capital, reinforcing the event’s role in connecting African innovation with international markets and funding opportunities.
As international and African stakeholders gather in Marrakech, GITEX AFRICA Morocco continues to reinforce its role as a global platform where policy, capital and technological execution align, supporting a digitally sovereign, globally connected and economically competitive Africa.
For the latest news and updates on GITEX AFRICA Morocco, please visit: www.gitexafrica.com.
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