Morocco champions inclusive digital future at GITEX Africa 2025 kick off

At the opening of GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, key Moroccan and international officials underscored the importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the continent’s future, while warning of widening digital divides and urgent cybersecurity threats.

Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, stressed that the digital economy now contributes 15% of global GDP—equivalent to $6.5 trillion—and Morocco is fully committed to shaping a future where digitalization and AI serve all segments of society.

Citing King Mohammed VI’s 2018 message to the African Union, she reaffirmed that Africa is well on its way to becoming a hub for digital innovation.

El Fallah Seghrouchni highlighted that nearly 40% of startups participating in this year’s event are integrating AI, with the global market for Agentic AI projected to exceed $320 billion by 2030.

With 70% of major companies planning to adopt AI agents within two years, she pointed to Africa’s demographic advantage—a young, digitally fluent population and a wealth of critical mineral reserves—as a key asset for powering AI infrastructure.

However, the Minister also flagged serious gaps: Africa holds less than 1% of global data center capacity, produces just 0.5% of AI research output, and faces a shortfall of 10 million digital professionals.

In addition, 95% of AI training datasets overlook African languages and contexts. In response, she called for policies that position Africa not only as a consumer but as a producer of technology, with initiatives such as “Morocco Digital for Sustainable Development” and the “Jazari Institutes” aiming to drive regional innovation.

Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of Morocco’s Digital Development Agency (ADD), echoed these ambitions, calling GITEX Africa a key platform for promoting digital integration across Africa. He said the event reflects Morocco’s determination to build a competitive digital economy that prioritizes administrative efficiency, entrepreneurial growth, and societal development.

This year’s edition features over 1,500 exhibitors, 800 startups, 130 international delegations, and 350 investors. Melyani highlighted that local innovation is central to the agenda, particularly in areas like AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and e-governance.

He also emphasized the role of digital tools in preparing Morocco to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, introducing “SportTech” as a thematic focus to enhance the country’s sports ecosystem and digital infrastructure.

Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE government, underlined the urgency of investing in AI to meet growing cyber challenges. Speaking at the event, he warned that cyberattacks in 2024 alone caused billions in losses, and global AI investments are expected to surpass $300 billion by 2030.

Al Kuwaiti stressed the need for strong governance, data protection, and comprehensive public-private collaboration to safeguard digital infrastructure.

He praised Morocco’s emerging role as a global digital hub, saying its leadership can serve not just Africa but the world.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of Kaoun International and organizer of the event, described GITEX Africa as a “platform of convergence,” bringing together startups, governments, researchers, and investors to foster collaboration and co-create solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.

She applauded the diversity of participants and the vital role of women and youth in driving the continent’s digital transformation.

LohMirmand emphasized that Africa’s digital rise is not a competition but a shared mission—one that requires collective ambition and unity to achieve technological sovereignty.

With major players converging in Marrakech from April 14 to 16, GITEX Africa 2025 positions Morocco as a key driver of Africa’s digital future—where innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration are the building blocks of progress.