GITEX Africa 2025: Spotlight on artificial intelligence in Morocco

The third edition of GITEX Africa 2025 is set to take place from April 14 to 16 in Marrakech, under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI. This year's event promises to be a significant gathering, featuring 1,500 exhibitors and 800 startups, including 200 Moroccan companies supported by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.

Amal El Fallah Seghrouchnii, the Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, announced the event during a press conference on April 4, 2025. She highlighted that this edition builds on the success of the global GITEX event, held in the United Arab Emirates for 42 years. The inaugural GITEX Africa attracted 400 startups and welcomed over 32,000 visitors. This year, expectations are high, with projections of more than 45,000 attendees from over 130 countries.

The event will also see participation from over 650 government institutions, more than 350 investors, and around 660 speakers from various sectors.

Sector-specific conferences

A key feature of GITEX Africa 2025 will be sector-specific conferences focusing on strategic areas like education technology (EdTech), agricultural technology (AgriTech), health technology (HealthTech), and sports technology (SportsTech). The initiative aims to forge effective partnerships to integrate the continent into the global digital economy, positioning Africa as a hub for innovation.

The Ministry has also initiated the "Morocco 200" program, which supports 200 Moroccan startups by covering 90% of their participation fees based on specific selection criteria.

Emphasis on artificial intelligence

This year’s GITEX will prominently feature artificial intelligence (AI), showcasing leading startups developing AI solutions. The event will include workshops involving key stakeholders from government and industry, aiming to unify visions on AI policy adoption in Africa. Recent international studies predict that AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, underscoring the sector's vital importance.

Strengthening Africa's position

Minister Seghrouchnii stated that Morocco's selection as the host country reflects its ongoing efforts to establish itself as a regional digital hub, in line with the royal directives of King Mohammed VI. The 2025 edition aims to enhance Africa's role as a key player in the global technology arena, focusing on digital infrastructure, AI advancements, and the latest technological innovations.

A new addition this year is the "Future of Coverage Summit in Africa," bringing together major players in telecommunications, cloud computing, and data centers. This summit will address the impact of expanding broadband networks, the rollout of fifth-generation (5G) technologies, and cloud developments, as well as fostering public-private partnerships to shape the continent's digital infrastructure.

Additionally, the event will introduce the "African Community Studio," dedicated to unifying African talent globally. The goal is to stimulate investment, facilitate cross-border partnerships, and enhance knowledge transfer among African tech pioneers and local ecosystems.

This edition will attract government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders to discuss critical issues related to AI governance, digital legislation, and policies shaping the future of innovation in Africa. It reaffirms the continent's commitment to playing a central role in its digital transformation.

Furthermore, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank subsidiary focused on private sector financing, will participate as an economic development partner at GITEX Africa. The IFC's engagement highlights its dedication to promoting sustainable investments and accelerating digital transformation in Africa, emphasizing the intersection of global investment, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The "She Wins Africa" initiative, launched by the IFC, will also play a significant role in the exhibition, aiming to empower women-led startups and enhance their presence in the digital economy, fostering more inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.