Morocco is fast cementing its status as a digital powerhouse in Africa, and all eyes are now on Marrakech as it prepares to host the continent’s largest tech and startup expo: GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2025. Running from April 14 to 16, the event is shaping up to be a major showcase of African innovation and ambition.
Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI and driven by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD), GITEX AFRICA is more than just a tech expo—it’s a statement. Organized by KAOUN International, a subsidiary of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event serves as a high-profile platform to project a modern, self-reliant, and tech-savvy Africa to the world.
As Digital Transition Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasized, Morocco’s selection as host was no coincidence. It reflects a deliberate strategy to position the Kingdom as a regional digital hub, aligned with national efforts to strengthen digital education, infrastructure, and culture.
ADD Director General Mohammed Drissi Melyani echoed this sentiment, calling the event a symbol of Africa taking control of its digital destiny.
Now in its third edition, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is expecting more than 45,000 attendees, 1,450 exhibitors, and delegations from over 130 countries. This year will also see newcomers like Gabon, Niger, and Zambia joining the ranks, alongside participants from Europe and Asia, including Belgium, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, highlighted the critical timing: “Artificial intelligence is reshaping African economies. GITEX offers a concrete response—bringing together innovators and policymakers to build a shared future.”
The momentum is real. In 2024 alone, African startups secured over $2 billion in investment, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Major venture capital players have taken notice.
At the event, the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will be actively involved, adding weight to the gathering. IFC will spotlight female entrepreneurs from its SheWins Africa program, while 350 investors—representing a staggering $200 billion in assets—are set to attend over 1,500 business meetings.
Among the major highlights: an exclusive interview with Awa Gueye, co-founder of Wave Mobile Money—the first unicorn in Francophone Africa—and the Supernova Challenge, the largest pan-African tech competition. The Morocco 200 initiative will shine a light on homegrown startups, underlining the country’s commitment to nurturing its tech talent for the global stage.
Tech giants like Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, Salesforce, and China Mobile are all on board. Saudi Arabia will also be represented through its “Saudi Made” initiative, while Presight—an AI-driven data powerhouse from the G42 group—will showcase cutting-edge solutions.
And GITEX AFRICA isn’t standing still. The 2025 edition will branch into new territories, expanding beyond AI, cybersecurity, and telecom to include emerging sectors such as mobility, renewable energy, edtech, sportech, and agritech.
