WAM Morocco debuts to drive Africa’s industrial transformation

Wednesday 14 January 2026 - 10:12

By: Dakir Madiha

WAM Morocco debuts to drive Africa’s industrial transformation

The World Advanced Manufacturing & Future Mobility Exhibition (WAM Morocco) is set to debut in Casablanca from January 20 to 22, marking a significant milestone as the region’s first Industry 4.0-focused platform. Dedicated to advanced and intelligent manufacturing, future mobility, industrial innovation, and supply-chain transformation, the event aims to position Morocco as a hub for cutting-edge technology and industrial growth. By fostering cross-border collaboration and investment, WAM Morocco seeks to connect the country’s industrial ecosystem with global leaders in technology and manufacturing.

Organized by KAOUN International, a subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event is backed by a robust network of regional and international stakeholders, including MSC Pro, CDD, UM6P, Advantage Austria, and Der Mittelstand. Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, emphasized the platform’s strategic importance, stating that WAM Morocco serves as a catalyst for intelligent manufacturing and future mobility in Africa, creating pathways for collaboration, technological innovation, and industrial growth.

This inaugural edition underscores the growing confidence of global manufacturers in Morocco’s industrial potential. Over 100 companies from 18 countries, including Nigeria, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia, will participate. Leading firms such as Schneider Electric, SAP, Engie, and Sumitomo Corporation will showcase their expertise, driving large-scale adoption of Industry 4.0 across Africa. A Schneider Electric spokesperson highlighted Morocco’s emerging role in reshaping global industries, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to supporting the region’s industrial ecosystem with advanced technologies and expertise.

The event’s conference program is equally ambitious, offering three days of discussions across four core themes and eight key sectors. Attendees can expect over 60 hours of content and insights from more than 60 global experts across two stages. High-impact topics on the agenda include the future of data centers, smart manufacturing, green production, freight mobility, and energy transition. Strategic discussions will also focus on industrial infrastructure sovereignty, AI-driven factories, decarbonization, and sustainable energy.

Prominent speakers at the event include Dr. Mehdi Snène, Chief AI Officer of the United Nations (Switzerland), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA (Nigeria), and Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Morocco’s former Minister of Digital Transition. Other notable participants include Fatou Haidara from UNIDO (Austria) and Alain Sanchez of Fortinet (France), among others, reflecting the event’s international caliber.

WAM Morocco will also spotlight emerging startups and innovators, hosting international firms like Xane.ai from India and Dinabi from Spain. The Supernova Challenge, a pitch competition offering a $10,000 prize, will further connect Africa’s most disruptive manufacturing startups with investors and industry leaders. Supported by an Invest India pavilion, the event aims to fast-track cross-border industrial innovation.

With the participation of over 100 global investors managing more than $50 billion in assets across 20 countries, WAM Morocco leverages strong networks such as Alex Angels from Egypt and institutional players like AMIC and Bpifrance to accelerate capital deployment into advanced manufacturing and mobility solutions.

Powered by the same team behind GITEX and GITEX Africa, WAM Morocco positions itself as a key driver of industrial transformation and innovation, reinforcing Morocco's role as a continental leader in Industry 4.0. The event will be held at Casablanca from January 20 to 22, inviting industry leaders, investors, and innovators to participate in what promises to be a defining platform for advanced manufacturing in the region.