“Africa’s meteoric rise as an emerging international power in digital transformation, coupled with the vast global opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, is poised to spark a new era of collaboration between the public and private sectors in investment,” they said.
This turning point is expected with the opening of the 2nd edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, scheduled for May 29 to 31, 2024 in Marrakech, bringing together world leaders, government experts, companies, big technologies, start-ups, investors and academics from 130 countries to catalyze partnerships and foster the future ambitions of a continent determined to boost its economy through entrepreneurial innovation.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD).
This flagship African technology event is orchestrated by KAOUN International, the foreign subsidiary of the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), which also organizes GITEX GLOBAL in the United Arab Emirates, considered the largest and most trusted technology and startup event -up to the world.
As final preparations are underway to develop an impressive purpose-built venue in the heart of Marrakech, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will occupy 21 halls and welcome 1,400 international exhibiting companies, recording a 70% year-on-year increase since the record launch of the event. event last year, specifies the same source.
This year, artificial intelligence stands out as a major phenomenon, with its fascinating and diverse capabilities to transform multiple industries, from cybersecurity and cloud computing to IoT, finance, telecommunications, agriculture and education, thus fueling hopes of greater prosperity for the world’s second most populous continent. The impact of AI on digital health has also catalyzed the launch of World Future Health Africa, accelerating the digital health revolution on the continent.
More than 700 of the most innovative start-ups in the world, from 45 countries, including 200 Moroccans, will be highlighted during North Star Africa, the platform dedicated to GITEX AFRICA start-ups. This initiative significantly revitalizes investment in a robust and dynamic start-up ecosystem, with fundraising projections amounting to $10 billion in venture capital by 2025.
These award-winning innovators will have the opportunity to interact with 350 investors from 35 countries, collectively managing $200 billion in assets. Thus, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 becomes a crucial indicator of transcontinental technological advances, playing an essential role in the convergence of the efforts of the global technology community to foster a responsible future within what is called the new global Silicon Valley.
During the official press conference presenting the event, Ghita Mezzour, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency (ADD) spoke ), and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the event organizer.
Among the official institutional partners of GITEX AFRICA Maroc present are the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), the National Airports Office (ONDA), the OCP, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the National Railways Office de Fer (ONCF), and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).
Quoted in the press release, Ms. Mezzour affirmed that the second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco “is part of the continuity of the efforts deployed by our country in the field of digital transition, in accordance with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who called for making the most of the enormous development opportunities that the digital transition offers to African countries.
And added that “this edition will further consolidate Morocco’s position as a regional digital hub, thus creating an environment conducive to attracting investments and stimulating job creation.”
Mr. Melyani, for his part, declared that this 2nd edition of GITEX Africa Morocco “appears more ambitious and inclusive to the extent that it first responds to the enthusiasm it has aroused around the world , and affirmed in more than one way the positioning of Morocco as an essential pole in the world of technological innovation and the attractiveness of foreign investments in the promising digital sector”.
This year, he added, as many themes and sectoral niches will be highlighted, such as AI, thus reflecting the growing interest in new global professions of technological innovation.
Talent development and boosting pan-African technological dynamics
The revolutionary capabilities of artificial intelligence and its potential to overcome traditional obstacles to economic development in Africa will be at the center of discussions at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024.
This event will catalyze transcontinental technological progress in areas as diverse as cloud, IoT, cybersecurity, digital health, future finance, consumer technology, digital cities and telecommunications.
Technology sector experts estimate that the rise of AI could add $1.2 trillion to the African economy by 2030, increasing the continent’s GDP by 5.6% and reinforcing the need for digital dialogues to deploy technologies that are both sustainable and ethical.
Also quoted in the statement, Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said that “recent developments in AI have generated new opportunities and impetus for Africa’s digital transformation.”
“Located on a continent poised to make major advances in key sectors, GITEX AFRICA Morocco offers governments, business leaders and talent unprecedented access to cutting-edge information and expertise, opening significant opportunities for digital convergence. This will enable them to co-create new strategies and solutions for the betterment of society,” he added.
Africa’s pressing technology challenges will be addressed by ministers and digital visionaries
Africa’s most advanced conference program will bring together more than 450 speakers from 70 countries to discuss, review and address the key technological challenges and opportunities of the world’s second largest continent.
These ambitious discussions will aim to co-create and define a pan-African digital roadmap specific to Africa.
The GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit will be held across ten conference stages, offering over 280 hours of thought-provoking content, propelling the digital movement in Africa.
Impactful sessions will explore government policy and regulation, connectivity, digital cities and future finance, cybersecurity and the transformational potential of digital health, while energizing the world’s most promising startup ecosystem and questioning the realities of the frenzy for AI.
GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entry is reserved exclusively for pre-registered industry professionals, with a special invitation for students aged 16 and over on the third day.