HIBAPRESS
Morocco continues to consolidate an ambitious vision that aims to build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy in Africa, by accelerating innovation in the field of artificial intelligence across the continent, at a time when the global technology community is preparing to gather in Marrakech, hosting the largest technology event and startups in Africa next week.
The fourth edition of GITEX Africa Morocco will be held from April 7 to 9, 2026, with the participation of over 1450 exhibiting companies and startups, along with participants from more than 130 countries. The 2026 edition witnesses an expanded international presence, with the addition of new countries including Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Guinea, Hungary, Luxembourg, Thailand, and Zambia.
In this edition, the prominent continental event moves from the stage of exchanging visions to the stage of practical implementation, becoming a strategic platform for African cooperation, where global innovations intersect with the requirements of the continent's digital sovereignty, and the development of digital solutions with a tangible impact is accelerated, which would lay solid foundations for the resilience of the African economy in the future.
With estimates indicating that artificial intelligence could contribute up to $1.2 trillion to the African economy by 2030, GITEX Africa Morocco seeks to mobilize the shared potential of innovation, promote African integration, and consolidate the continent's position as an emerging player in leading technological transformation on a global level.
The official preliminary press conference for the event, which was held today, was attended by Amal Al Fallah Sghrouchni, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amin El Mazouzi, the Director-General of the Digital Development Agency, and Trixie LohMirmand, the CEO of GITEX Africa Morocco.
Amal Al Fallah Sghrouchni confirmed that: "In light of the rapid digital transformations globally, artificial intelligence emerges as a real structural opportunity for Africa, supported by a young human capital, innovation systems in continuous expansion, and growing investments in digital infrastructure. The ambitions of the Kingdom of Morocco, in line with the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God protect him, are to make artificial intelligence a basic pillar to enhance digital sovereignty, support economic competitiveness, and achieve spatial integration, through the development of competencies, strengthening technological capabilities, and consolidating a responsible and integrated innovation system."
For his part, Amin El Mazouzi, the Director General of the Digital Development Agency, explained, saying: "GITEX Africa Morocco embodies the strategic ambition of the Kingdom in consolidating its position as a pivotal technological center serving the African continent. Thanks to the insightful vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God protect him, and the dynamism created by the ecosystem of startups and innovative companies, in addition to the solid partnerships between the public and private sectors, this event strengthens Morocco's position as a platform where talents, investments, and innovation intersect. It also constitutes a basic lever to support the emergence of African digital champions, and to keep pace with the continent's sustainable integration into the global digital economy."
For her part, Trixie LohMirmand, the CEO of GITEX Africa Morocco, stated: "In just four years, GITEX Africa Morocco has evolved from a bold launch to a powerful engine of momentum in Morocco, attracting new global companies, investors, and cross-border partnerships that are reshaping the innovation landscape in the country. What we are witnessing is not just the growth of an event, but the rapid rise of Morocco on the global stage, enhancing its competitive position, deepening its digital economy, and firmly placing it on the map as a leading center for innovation in Africa and beyond."
Empowering the next generation of promising African projects
Following an exceptional year in 2025, in which the volume of funding for African startups reached $3.9 billion, GITEX Africa Morocco continues its efforts to support a new wave of high-growth projects, through the "North Star Africa" initiative, which is the largest platform for showcasing startups in the continent.
Through growth acceleration programs, talent development academies, initiatives to involve African competencies residing abroad, in addition to applied training workshops, the event provides an integrated environment to empower entrepreneurs in Morocco and Africa. It also allows more than 800 local and international startups to showcase their projects, expand their businesses, and obtain the necessary funding. With collective supervision of assets exceeding $350 billion US dollars, more than 400 global investors from over 40 countries participate, seeking high-growth and ready-to-finance investment opportunities, capable of expanding across Africa and beyond.
In parallel, a high-impact quality program will be implemented aimed at supporting growth and enhancing the international presence of prominent Moroccan innovators. In partnership with the Digital Development Agency, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform seeks to accelerate the opening of local companies to global markets, through the expansion of the "Morocco 300" initiative, which sees a 50 percent increase compared to the "Morocco 200" initiative for the year 2025, enabling these companies to present their solutions to an international network of investors and decision-makers in the technology sector and buyers from major companies.
Highlighting the pivotal sectors in shaping the future of digital Africa
The 2026 edition of GITEX Africa Morocco offers an expanded range of new sectoral spaces, reflecting the priorities of technological growth in the continent. These spaces include smart data center infrastructure, which addresses the challenges associated with digital gaps, and the financial technology sector and the future of finance, which highlights mobile payment solutions, artificial intelligence-powered financial inclusion, and cross-border payment systems.
The program also includes a dedicated space for future mobility, showcasing the latest innovations in the fields of electric, autonomous, and connected transport, in addition to sports technology, which provides advanced solutions including smart stadiums, technologies to improve athletes' performance, and advanced interactive experiences for the fans.
The main platform for GITEX Africa Morocco will once again highlight cybersecurity, through a dedicated program organized in partnership with the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) in Morocco. The Strategic Digital Defence AI Readiness (STAR) conference will bring together high-level dialogues aimed at providing emerging digital companies, industries, and economies in Africa with the necessary frameworks to protect vital infrastructure from increasingly complex and artificial intelligence-driven threats.
As a pivotal platform for international digital cooperation, GITEX Africa Morocco continues to strengthen its role as a structural force that supports building an ambitious, innovative, and sovereign digital Africa. Based on the remarkable success of the previous editions, the event proceeds to expand its partnerships and explore advanced technological fields, which enhances its position and deepens its impact across the various components of the African digital system.
To view the latest news and developments related to GITEX Africa Morocco, please visit the following website: www.gitexafrica.com
