Small businesses from across Africa will gather at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026, where a new programme will help them use artificial intelligence and grow beyond their local markets.
The event, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, will take place in Marrakech from 7 to 9 April. It is organised by Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, hosted by the Digital Development Agency, and run by KAOUN International.
Small and medium-sized businesses make up more than 90% of companies in Africa. They create most jobs and play a big role in growing the economy. But as AI and digital tools become more important worldwide, many of these businesses need help to keep up.
To support them, the event is working with APEBI to launch the SME AI Summit. The goal is to help businesses understand and use new technology.
The summit will bring together government officials, investors, tech companies and business leaders. They will discuss how small businesses can use AI, work more efficiently and enter new markets.
Hundreds of small businesses are expected to attend. They will meet international companies and partners from industries such as fintech, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agritech and digital services.
Rachid Ressani of APEBI said: “Digital technology is now a decisive lever to strengthen competitiveness and support the growth of SMEs, particularly tech SMEs. Thanks to our partnership with GITEX Africa Morocco, companies in Morocco and across Africa will benefit from privileged access to information technologies as well as international networks, thus facilitating their gradual integration into the global economy.
“The strengthening of tech SME skills in development, expertise and innovation also represents a major challenge to support digital transformation and ensure growth that is both sustainable and inclusive, in Morocco as well as across the African continent.”
Businesses taking part in the APEBI pavilion will also be able to meet tech partners and investors involved in Africa’s next stage of digital and industrial growth.
Mohammed Jebbar, head of the SME Tech commission, said: “Platforms such as GITEX Africa Morocco play an essential role in connecting SMEs to emerging technologies and new markets. Interaction with international industry players allows companies to accelerate technology adoption, refine their business models and participate more actively in international digital ecosystems.”
