GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024: Catalyzing Africa's Ascent into the Global AI Economy
The rapid emergence of Africa as a significant player in the global digital transformation, alongside the sweeping influence of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide, signals the dawn of a new era marked by collaboration in public-private sector investment. This impending transformation will be prominently highlighted at the continent's premier tech and startup gathering, the 2nd edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, scheduled from May 29th to 31st, 2024, in Marrakech, a city brimming with vibrancy.
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is organized by KAOUN International, the overseas arm of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), renowned for organizing GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech and startup event in the UAE. This year's event, endorsed by the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in collaboration with the Digital Development Agency (ADD), will bring together luminaries, experts, government officials, businesses, tech giants, startups, investors, and academia from 130 countries. The aim is to foster partnerships and advance the aspirations of a continent keen on enhancing its entrepreneurial innovation economy.
With final preparations underway for a purpose-built mega venue in central Marrakech, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will span 21 halls, hosting 1,400 international exhibiting companies. This represents a remarkable 70 percent increase from the event's record-breaking debut in 2023. As AI continues to capture attention for its transformative potential across various sectors such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, finance, telecommunications, agriculture, and education, hopes for greater prosperity in Africa, the world's second most populous continent, soar. The impact of AI on health technology has also led to the launch of World Future Health Africa, further propelling the continent's journey toward digital health advancement.
The event will feature more than 700 outstanding startups from 45 countries, including 200 Moroccan startups, showcased at GITEX AFRICA's North Star Africa startup exhibition. This initiative aims to invigorate investment in a resilient and dynamic startup ecosystem, estimated to attract US$10 billion in venture capital funds by 2025. These pioneering startups will connect with 350 investors from 35 countries, boasting assets worth US$200 billion. As a vital gauge of the technological advancements spanning continents, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will consolidate the global tech community's commitment to expedite a responsible future in the burgeoning Silicon Valley of the world.
Speaking at the event's official preview press conference were H.E. Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Minister of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform; Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD; and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of organizer KAOUN International. Also in attendance were GITEX AFRICA Morocco's institutional partners: the ANRT (Moroccan National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency), ONDA (National Airports Office), OCP, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF (Moroccan National Railway Office), and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).
Ms. Ghita Mezzour, Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, emphasized, "The second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco aligns with our country's steadfast efforts in digital transition, in line with the Royal Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who emphasizes the immense development opportunities digital transition offers African countries." She added, "This edition will further solidify Morocco's position as a regional digital hub, fostering an environment conducive to attracting investments and stimulating job creation."
Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani commented, "The 2nd edition of GITEX Africa Morocco is even more ambitious and inclusive, responding to the global enthusiasm it has garnered. It underscores Morocco's pivotal role in technological innovation and the appeal of foreign investment in the digital sector. This year, the event will spotlight various themes and sector niches, including AI, reflecting the growing interest in global technological innovation professions."
Discussions at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will revolve around AI's existential prospects and its potential to overcome traditional barriers to economic development in Africa. This will catalyze a transcontinental tech surge across industries such as cloud computing, IoT, cybersecurity, digital health, future finance, consumer technology, digital cities, and telecommunications. Tech experts estimate that the AI boom could contribute US$1.2 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, increasing the continent's GDP by 5.6 percent. This underscores the urgent need for digital dialogues to deploy this transformative technology sustainably and ethically.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, remarked, "Recent advancements in AI have opened new opportunities for Africa's digital transformation journey. GITEX AFRICA Morocco provides governments, business leaders, and talents with unparalleled access to information, expertise, and significant opportunities in digital convergence. This empowers them to collaboratively devise strategies and solutions for societal betterment."
The most progressive leadership conference program in Africa will assemble over 450 speakers from 70 countries to deliberate on the greatest tech challenges and opportunities in the continent, which harbors bold ambitions to define its own Pan-African digital roadmap. The GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit, comprising ten conference stages offering over 280 hours of content, will spearhead Africa's digital movement. Agenda items will encompass government policies and regulations, connectivity, digital cities, future finance, cybersecurity, health technology's transformative potential, nurturing the world's most promising startup ecosystem, and confronting the realities of AI proliferation.
GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will be open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, exclusively for pre-registered trade professionals, with a special invitation extended to students aged 16 and above on the third day. For further information, visit www.gitexafrica.com.
Source: PR+