Morocco keeps CAITA presidency as africa advances digital cooperation plan

Thursday 09 April 2026 - 16:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco keeps CAITA presidency as africa advances digital cooperation plan

Morocco has secured a renewed mandate at the head of the African Council of Information Technology Agencies, known as CAITA, following the council’s fourth meeting held in Marrakech during GITEX Africa Morocco 2026.

The meeting, organized by the Digital Development Agency, brought together national digital agencies from across the continent to review progress and define priorities for the next phase of cooperation. The gathering confirmed Morocco’s continued leadership role in coordinating Africa’s digital governance efforts.

CAITA operates as a consultative body under the Smart Africa alliance. It aims to align national digital strategies, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote joint responses to shared technological challenges across African countries.

Opening the session, Digital Development Agency Director General Amine El Mezouaghi reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to advancing the council’s work. He pointed to growing engagement among member agencies and the expanding role of Smart Africa in shaping continental digital policy.

The Marrakech meeting also assessed progress since CAITA’s launch in June 2023, when Morocco was first elected to lead the council. Since then, member states have worked to formalize governance structures, adopt action plans, and expand cooperation in areas such as capacity building and digital policy alignment.

A key milestone came in July 2025, when a meeting in Rabat initiated the development of Africa’s first guidelines for cross-border data exchange. The initiative reflects a broader push to enable secure data flows and improve interoperability between national systems.

During the latest session, Morocco presented a 2026 to 2027 roadmap focused on scaling joint digital projects, improving coordination between agencies, and strengthening a unified governance framework. The plan prioritizes practical implementation and measurable outcomes.

Council members endorsed the roadmap and agreed to extend Morocco’s presidency. The decision signals continued confidence in the country’s role in guiding Africa’s digital integration agenda.