The stage has been set for the biggest tech extravaganza Africa has ever witnessed as Morocco proudly hosts the inaugural edition of Gitex Africa. Marrakech, the enchanting city known for its vibrant culture and historical grandeur, becomes the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship from May 31 to June 2, as the highly anticipated event kicks off with a resounding bang.
With a staggering lineup of 900 tech companies and startups showcasing their cutting-edge products and services, Gitex Africa promises to be a melting pot of brilliance and breakthroughs. Drawing the attention of more than 30 government delegations, 250 global investors, and 250 international speakers, this landmark event is a testament to the growing significance of technology on the African landscape. A wave of excitement reverberates through the ochre city as tens of thousands of technology executives from over 100 countries flock to witness the birth of a new era.
Under the esteemed High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Gitex Africa marks a pivotal milestone as the first edition of its kind on African soil. Spearheaded by the Digital Development Agency (ADD) under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, this extraordinary gathering aims to unite all communities within the African innovation ecosystem. Affiliated with the globally renowned Gitex Global, which has dominated the technology and startup exhibition scene in Dubai for over four decades, Gitex Africa propels the continent onto the international stage.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Gitex Africa holds immense promise for the Kingdom of Morocco and Africa as a whole. It comes at a time when digital investments in the region are projected to skyrocket from $115 billion to a staggering $712 billion over the next 25 years. The organizers of the event emphasize the profound impact of digital tools in Africa, acting as catalysts that optimize productivity and serve as facilitators for all sectors. As Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou, the Minister of Digital Economy and Communication of Benin, eloquently puts it, Gitex Africa offers a golden opportunity for digital ecosystem leaders to breathe new life into the African economy.
Gitex Africa Morocco is more than just a gathering of minds — it is a convergence of dreams, ambitions, and limitless possibilities. It serves as a vibrant platform where technology leaders, governments, startups, investors, and global innovation hubs come together to accelerate, collaborate, and explore uncharted territories. By delving into the latest trends and opportunities in the technology industry, attendees will bear witness to awe-inspiring product launches and have the chance to connect with industry titans in domains like artificial intelligence, computing, cybersecurity, and more.
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At the heart of Gitex Africa lies the extraordinary power of partnerships, visionary projects, and technological aspirations that governments bring to the table. As Dr. Amr S. Talaat, the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information, highlights, Gitex provides an admirable platform for government officials to exchange views, experiences, and tackle shared challenges. This event transcends borders, fostering a global community that shapes the future of the world.
Undoubtedly, Gitex Africa serves as a beacon for startups across the continent — a transformative force that propels them to unprecedented heights. For three exhilarating days, participants can connect with technology influencers who represent a staggering $100 billion in managed assets. It is a golden opportunity to forge connections, gain valuable insights, and bask in the wisdom of CEOs, technology directors, and strategic leaders who thrive on innovation and agile thinking.
The event hosts a lineup of prominent companies, with giants like Epson seizing the occasion to showcase their high-performance products tailored for small businesses and startups. Epson’s commitment to the event is evident as they actively participate in the Gitex Africa Supernova Pitch Competition, offering winning projects customized Epson technological solutions. At their booth, companies can experience firsthand the reliability, mobility, and durability of Epson products, empowering them to enhance productivity and stay competitive.
Ali Shabdar, Regional Director MEA-Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, hails Gitex Africa as the ultimate platform for networking, understanding market needs, engaging with colleagues and clients, and strategizing for the future. The event brings together visionaries and decision-makers who will shape industries and drive innovation.
Anticipation runs high as Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, eagerly awaits this promising and insightful event where companies will converge and transformative decisions will be made. Gitex Africa unfolds on “the land of all digital opportunities,” signaling Morocco’s emergence as an investment destination in the digital realm. Last October, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, ADD, and the Dubai World Trade Center revealed that hosting Gitex Africa in Morocco would grant leading global IT giants the chance to explore the Kingdom’s digital sector’s vast potential.
This momentous event not only showcases Morocco’s vibrant ecosystem but also empowers Moroccan digital companies to conquer new markets, particularly within the continent. Gitex Africa Morocco serves as a testament to Africa’s rise as a technological powerhouse, inviting the world to witness its dynamism and richness.
As the sun sets on the picturesque city of Marrakech, Gitex Africa heralds a new era for technology in Africa, an era where collaboration, innovation, and boundless opportunities reign supreme. It is an event that will leave an indelible mark on the continent’s digital landscape, fueling the aspirations of entrepreneurs, inspiring visionary leaders, and igniting the spirit of progress.
In the heart of Africa, Gitex Africa stands tall as the catalyst for transformation, propelling the continent towards a future where technology knows no bounds.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard