Tech Innovators Converge in Marrakech to Shape Africa's Digital Transformation

The second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024, scheduled from May 29 to 31 in the vibrant city of Marrakech, is set to be a pivotal milestone in Africa's digital transformation journey. This premier technology event will bring together global innovators, tech enthusiasts, and cutting-edge companies from over 130 countries to explore and showcase the immense potential of AI and digital technologies in driving economic growth and societal development across the continent.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is held under the auspices of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD). It is organized by KAOUN International, the international subsidiary of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which is renowned for hosting GITEX GLOBAL in the United Arab Emirates, the largest global technology and startup event.

GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will host 1,400 exhibiting technology companies and startups, including over 200 Moroccan startups, providing a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to connect with investors and nurture an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nabil Ouchagour, Chief Brand Officer of Huawei Morocco, the event's Diamond Sponsor, emphasized the significance of AI-driven innovations in the country and beyond: "A new chapter of intelligent transformation is unfolding." Huawei, a leading provider of ICT infrastructure and intelligent devices, reaffirms its commitment to helping all industries leverage intelligent digitalization and strategic opportunities presented by AI, supported by cloud, advanced networks, and digital power technologies. "Together, we can help all industries become intelligent for a brighter digital future in Africa," Ouchagour stated.

Mohammed Bouhmouch, Customer Success Lead for Nigeria and Ghana at Microsoft Africa, the official AI partner, highlighted the impact of AI and cybersecurity on the region's economic growth. Among its recent initiatives leveraging AI for societal benefit in Africa, the company underscored the importance of AI education and culture development, helping to train over four million young professionals across the continent in the past five years. "AI is a defining technology of our time. We see AI opening doors to new opportunities in Africa through its thriving tech hubs and dynamic young population. Our goal is for AI to become a catalyst for sustainable progress and improvements across many sectors on the continent," Bouhmouch stated.

Sami Romdhane, Country Manager for Morocco at Visa International, the global financial powerhouse, underscored the critical role of digital payments in driving economic development in the region with the world's youngest population. "As a global leader in digital payments, Visa is committed to promoting innovation and digital transformation across the African continent. I am extremely proud and excited about our participation in GITEX AFRICA Morocco. Morocco, with its growing tech landscape and strategic geographic position, serves as an essential conduit for technological growth and innovation in Africa, and this event, at the intersection of technology and commerce, aligns perfectly with Visa's ongoing commitment to advancing digital innovation," Romdhane commented.

Brahim Sbai, Vice President of Sales at Orange, Morocco's leading telecommunications operator, emphasized the company's strategy to ensure reliable infrastructure and enhance network connectivity while leveraging impactful collaboration opportunities at the event. "At Orange Morocco, we are delighted to participate in GITEX AFRICA 2024, showcasing our commitment to enhancing Morocco's digital infrastructure. This event is crucial for us to demonstrate our advancements in connectivity and cybersecurity, essential for global events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Our recent initiatives, including establishing a sovereign cloud and leveraging AI, highlight our dedication to data security and technological innovation. We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders and exploring opportunities to advance Morocco's digital transformation," Sbai stated.

Representing renowned Moroccan organizations, Ahmed Bennana, Director General of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Bouskoura, the Health Innovation Partner at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 and one of the most innovative organizations providing optimal patient support and care in Africa, discussed the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate AI-driven technological advancements in healthcare. "I am proud to participate in GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024. Our hospital's commitment to integrating advanced technologies such as AI enhances healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. GITEX provides an essential platform for us to collaborate with global digital health leaders, share our innovations, and learn from industry best practices. Together, we are advancing digital transformation in healthcare across Africa," Bennana commented.

UM6P Ventures, the investment arm of UM6P, whose mission is to accelerate scientific innovation in Morocco and Africa, joined the stage to share a similar mission of supporting the next generation of disruptors shaping a more connected and inclusive digital future. "Our participation in GITEX aligns with UM6P's ambitious vision to support entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa," said Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. "We are committed to supporting startups, from lab to market, and our ecosystem is already poised to welcome and nurture Africa's leading innovations," he added.

GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 will open its doors on May 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on May 30 and 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entry is reserved for pre-registered professionals, with a special invitation for students aged 16 and above on the third day. More information is available at www.gitexafrica.com.

Source: PR+