GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 Second Edition Grand Opening: Convening the Continent’s Most Influential Tech experts, Government leaders, Innovators, and Investors.

GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024, the continent’s premier tech and start-up event, kicked off on Wednesday, May 29th, in Marrakech, Morocco. This three-day event brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including tech experts, innovators, policymakers, government leaders, and investors, to explore Africa’s digital opportunities and drive economic growth.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, as well as the Digital Development Agency (ADD), GITEX AFRICA Morocco is poised to be a catalyst for innovation and development in the region.

Organized by KAOUN International, an overseas affiliate of the Dubai World Trade Centre and the organizer of GITEX, the world’s largest tech event brand, GITEX AFRICA Morocco promises to deliver a comprehensive program featuring insightful discussions, impactful presentations, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and driving progress in the African tech ecosystem.

The opening ceremony of GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 was graced by the presence of His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, who presided over the event. Running until May 31st, the show welcomed an impressive lineup of participants, including over 1,400 exhibiting tech enterprises and start-ups, 350-plus leading investors, more than 600 conference speakers, and representatives from over 100 government entities. The event attracted tens of thousands of attendees from more than 130 countries, making it a truly global gathering of tech innovators and thought leaders.

During the inauguration ceremony, H.E. Aziz Akhannouch shared the main stage with dignitaries and ministers from across Africa and the world. Among them were H.E. Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Minister of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform; H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai Authority; Mr. Chakib Alj, the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM); Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of the Moroccan Digital Development Agency; Mr. Lacina Kone, CEO of Smart Africa; and Ms. Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organizer of GITEX AFRICA Morocco.

During his speech at GITEX AFRICA Morocco, His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, underscored the pivotal role of technology and innovation in fostering important alliances for the future of the continent. He emphasized that digital transformation is not merely a technological luxury but an essential driver for strengthening cooperation between African countries.

According to the Head of Government, digital transformation offers tangible solutions to the challenges facing the continent and serves as a catalyst for sustainable development. It also creates a conducive environment for deepening integration between African countries, thereby unlocking Africa's full potential in the 21st century.

His Excellency highlighted the significance of adopting and promoting digital transformation as a means to realize Africa's full potential. He emphasized that platforms such as GITEX AFRICA provide a privileged opportunity to discuss the key factors enabling the African continent to position itself as both a consumer and producer of digital technologies.

In alignment with the sentiments expressed by His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, the Director General of Digital Dubai Authority, emphasized the shared commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco and the UAE to the digital revolution and sustainable development. Al Mansoori highlighted the importance of placing human interests at the forefront of digital transformation efforts, emphasizing the need to build a sustainable future for all.

Drawing parallels between Dubai's experience in digital transformation and Morocco's initiatives, Al Mansoori expressed admiration for Morocco's efforts, particularly in strengthening regional and international cooperation and fostering connectivity across borders. He emphasized that in today's interconnected world, individual achievements are insufficient if they do not benefit all, underscoring the collective responsibility to work towards sustainable development.

H.E Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Minister of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, highlighted the remarkable growth in the number of startups in Morocco and across Africa, with hundreds of them showcasing their innovations at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024. She emphasized the significant progress made in the technology sector over the past year, which has fueled the rise of startups and entrepreneurship in the region.

Dr. Mezzour underscored the pivotal role of AI technology in driving economic transformation and addressing the continent's challenges. She emphasized the potential of AI to revolutionize Africa's economy and improve the lives of its citizens. Dr. Mezzour encouraged attendees to envision the future trajectory of Africa's economies and societies, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the continent's growth as a technology and AI powerhouse.

As Africa's population is projected to double by 2050, with 50% of Africans being under 25 years old, Dr. Mezzour stressed the importance of investing in technology and AI to spur industrialization, drive economic growth, and create job opportunities for the continent's burgeoning youth population. By harnessing the power of technology and AI, Africa can unlock its full potential and chart a path towards inclusive and sustainable development.

Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, emphasized the crucial role of both the private and public sectors in driving digital transformation forward. He highlighted the significance of the second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco as a platform to recognize the substantial efforts made by all stakeholders in advancing digital development.

Melyani emphasized that the technological revolution underway involves active participation from various ecosystems, including ministerial sectors, public organizations, and private sector entities. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Morocco to integrate technology and digitalization into the services provided, ultimately enhancing the quality and accessibility of services for citizens.

Trixie Lohmirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and organizer of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, expressed her excitement about the rapid growth and success of the event. Addressing the audience, she celebrated the remarkable progress made over the past year, highlighting that GITEX AFRICA has doubled in size, now occupying 20 halls. Lohmirmand emphasized that GITEX AFRICA in Morocco has become not only the largest tech and startup show on the continent but also comparable to, if not larger than, some of the biggest and most renowned tech and startup events in Europe. This growth signifies that GITEX AFRICA has transcended continents, becoming a global hub for technology and innovation.

GITEX AFRICA Morocco will continue until May 31st in Marrakech, offering attendees over 280 hours of immersive content. This includes thought-provoking panel discussions, exclusive sessions, and keynote speeches from influential figures in the tech industry. The exhibition will feature the latest developments from tech giants, unicorns, startups, and scale-ups across Africa.

For those interested in learning more about GITEX AFRICA Morocco and accessing additional information, they can visit the official website at www.gitexafrica.com. There, they can find details about the schedule, speakers, exhibitors, and other relevant information to make the most of their experience at the event.