Governments, telecom groups, investors and startup funds are heading into GITEX Africa Morocco 2026 with data centres, cloud networks, cybersecurity and AI on the table, giving this year’s Marrakech event the shape of a market for backbone systems and institutional contracts.
Organizers say Africa’s hyperscale data centre market could rise from $6.7 billion in 2025 to more than $28 billion by 2030, and put the continent’s AI market at $4.5 billion this year and $16.5 billion by 2030.
The conference program is built around connectivity and telecom, AI governance, cyber resilient architecture and an executive summit for policymakers, investors and tech leaders.
Russia is sending one of the clearest state backed bids, with The Russian Export Center organising a collective “Made in Russia” stand at GITEX with companies in AI, cybersecurity, fintech and unmanned systems, according to Russia’s trade mission in Morocco. The plan includes meetings with African government institutions, business communities and IT associations during the April 7 to 9 event.
France is organizing a national pavilion through Team France Export, calling to companies aimed at firms seeking qualified leads, strategic partners and investors across African markets.The French program markets access to 70,000 visitors, 3,000 exhibitors and 650 investors, a pitch aimed at commercial positioning inside African business and procurement networks.
In the host country, Morocco launched a national selection program for 300 startups to participate in the event, led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and the Moroccan Digital Development Agency, expanding on previous editions where Moroccan startups were grouped under a national pavilion but without centralized selection at this scale.
The 2025 edition drew more than 45,000 participants and over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 130 countries.
For 2026, organizers are expecting to host more than 55,000 participants, 1,500 exhibitors and over 400 investors, maintaining growth from earlier editions that brought together global technology firms, startups and public sector delegations in Marrakech.
GITEX’s featured speakers for 2026 include telecom chiefs, cyber security authorities, data centre executives, government finance officials and public regulators from across Africa and beyond. The event is selling access to the people who buy capacity, regulate networks and finance rollout.
GITEX, launched in Morocco in 2023, has grown into one of the continent’s largest technology gatherings, bringing together public institutions, investors and private companies seeking to expand across African digital sectors.
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