GITEX Africa 2026 to shape continent’s fast-growing digital economy

Tuesday 07 April 2026 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

GITEX Africa 2026 to shape continent’s fast-growing digital economy

GITEX Africa Morocco 2026 will return to Marrakech from April 7 to 9, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders as Africa’s digital economy expands at record pace.

The event, now in its fourth edition, has become a central platform for collaboration, investment, and policy dialogue. It positions Morocco as a key gateway connecting African markets with global technology ecosystems.

Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating. The continent’s digital economy is projected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2030, while the artificial intelligence market is expected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2025 to $16.5 billion by the end of the decade. Infrastructure investment is also rising, with the hyperscale data center market forecast to exceed $28 billion by 2030, driven by cloud adoption, telecom expansion, and 5G deployment.

Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni said Morocco is advancing regional cooperation through the Digital for Sustainable Development initiative, which aims to strengthen skills, share expertise, and deploy AI solutions aligned with development priorities across Africa and the Arab world.

Organizers expect more than 55,000 participants, including startups, multinational companies, investors, and government delegations. The event will feature sector-focused showcases, with expanded attention on future mobility, smart infrastructure, and sustainable transport systems.

Several high-level forums will address key issues shaping Africa’s digital landscape. The Executive Summit will focus on investment flows, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. The Connected Future Summit will examine how countries can build sovereign digital ecosystems that retain value within the continent.

Artificial intelligence governance will be a central topic at the Africa AI Governance Forum, where policymakers and industry leaders will discuss regulatory frameworks, workforce readiness, and long-term economic impact. Cybersecurity will also feature prominently through the Cyber-Resilient Architecture forum, which will examine strategies to protect critical infrastructure and respond to emerging threats.

The event will also strengthen links between startups and investors. Nearly 400 venture capital firms, angel investors, and corporate funds managing more than $350 billion in assets are expected to participate. Africa’s venture capital investment is projected to exceed $5 billion in 2025, reinforcing the importance of such connections.

Startups will have access to pitching opportunities and structured matchmaking sessions designed to facilitate funding and expansion. Dedicated spaces such as the Founders’ Room will connect growth-stage companies with investors and operational partners.

Additional programs will support long-term ecosystem development. The Scale-up Program will provide mentorship from experienced founders and investors. The Talent Academy will offer training in technical and business skills, while the diaspora initiative will connect Africa’s global community to investment opportunities across the continent.

Workshops and masterclasses will cover areas such as generative AI, data science, and blockchain, aiming to build capacity beyond the event itself.

With Africa expecting around 375 million new workers by 2030, platforms like GITEX Africa are positioned to link talent, capital, and innovation at scale, supporting the continent’s transition into a major digital economy.