Marrakech will host the third GITEX Africa Morocco forum from April 14 to 16, 2025. Following the success of the first two editions, this year's event aims to mark a new milestone. Artificial intelligence will take center stage in the discussions, alongside digital infrastructure and initiatives positioning Africa as a key player on the global stage. With enhanced sector-specific conferences, bold initiatives, and strategic networking forums, the third edition of GITEX Africa Morocco aims to solidify Africa's position as a key player in the global digital landscape. Scheduled for April 14 to 16, 2025, in Marrakech, the forum will focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and technological innovation, led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, the Digital Development Agency (ADD), and KAOUN International. Following the success of its first two editions, GITEX Africa has become the continent's largest gathering of technology and entrepreneurship stakeholders. This year's event is set to mark a new milestone, inspired by GITEX Global, which has been hosted in the United Arab Emirates for over four decades. At a press conference held Friday, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Deputy Minister in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, reaffirmed royal directives calling for «adequate and specialized human resources in various digital fields» to promote «a digital culture across all segments of society» and develop technical infrastructures «capable of keeping pace with rapid sectoral evolution». African Diaspora and AI at the Heart of GITEX Africa 2025 In her remarks, the minister emphasized the need to bridge the digital gap between Africa and developed countries and capitalize on the global tech boom. She noted that the 2025 edition will «reinforce Africa's role as a major player on the global innovation scene», with a spotlight on digital infrastructure, advances in AI, and cutting-edge technologies. A major new feature this year will be the launch of the «Summit on Africa's Future Coverage», a platform bringing together key players in telecom, cloud computing, and data centers. The summit will also address issues such as broadband expansion, 5G deployment, cloud adoption, and public-private partnerships aimed at shaping the continent's future digital backbone. Additionally, this year's event will host the debut of the «Global African Diaspora Studio», a space dedicated to reconnecting Africa's global tech talent with local innovation ecosystems. The goal, according to the minister, is to stimulate investment, establish cross-border partnerships, and encourage knowledge transfer between diaspora tech leaders and local stakeholders. «By attracting venture capitalists, startup incubators, and major research institutions, the studio will serve as a strategic platform to boost Africa's presence on the global innovation map», said Seghrouchni. She added that Morocco is fully committed to supporting the growth of GITEX Africa as part of its vision to become a leading digital hub on the continent. Governance, AI, and Cross-Border Partnerships Beyond startups and tech firms, this edition will also bring together a select group of government officials, regulatory authorities, and industry leaders to discuss AI governance, digital legislation, and the policies shaping Africa's digital future. A special focus will also be placed on artificial intelligence, with numerous leading AI startups taking part. «Workshops on various topics will be organized, featuring companies, policymakers, and decision-makers», the minister explained. The overarching goal, she said, is to «unify perspectives around clear policies for AI adoption in Africa». Highlighting the stakes, she added, «Recent international studies predict that AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, underlining the immense importance of this rapidly growing sector». Support for Startups and 45,000 Visitors Expected This third edition will also welcome the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's private-sector financing arm, as an official economic development partner. In this context, the IFC's SheWins Africa initiative will take center stage. The initiative aims to empower women-led startups, strengthen their role in the digital economy, and foster inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. To support local innovation, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform has launched the second edition of the «Morocco 200» initiative, which covers 90% of participation costs for 200 selected Moroccan startups. «This initiative opens the door to project development and investment opportunities by connecting Moroccan startups with regional and global actors», Seghrouchni noted. The forum will also feature sector-specific seminars focusing on EdTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, and SportTech. These are expected to facilitate partnerships that further accelerate Africa's digital integration and innovation leadership.
