Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI—may God assist Him—the 2026 edition of GITEX Africa was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Marrakech.

Organized under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and KAOUN International, this major event reaffirms Morocco’s standing as a digital hub in Africa.

A Strong Commitment to Digital Transformation

The opening ceremony was highlighted by an address from the Head of Government, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, who underscored the national strategies regarding digital transformation, in alignment with the enlightened vision of His Majesty the King. He emphasized the critical importance of innovation, technological development, and the strengthening of digital infrastructure to consolidate the Kingdom’s role as a regional technology hub.

For her part, H.E. Professor Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, provided an in-depth overview of digital transformation on both the African and global stages. She notably highlighted that artificial intelligence now constitutes a genuine economic infrastructure, offering significant opportunities for growth and competitiveness. She also emphasized the strategic role of digital infrastructure—particularly data centers—and the importance of sustainable energy to support digital development. Furthermore, she highlighted Morocco’s strengths in connectivity and renewable energies, while also addressing the challenges associated with cybersecurity, employment, and the rapid evolution of skill sets.

Finally, she reiterated that the primary imperative lies in the development of human capital—an essential prerequisite for enabling Africa to emerge as a major player in the global digital economy.

A Continental Momentum Driven by Innovation

Speeches delivered by African and international dignitaries highlighted the continent’s considerable potential:

H.E. Mr. Mohammadou Youssifou, Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors in Rabat (GAAM) and Ambassador of Cameroon to Morocco, underscored Africa’s advancements in fields such as fintech and artificial intelligence, while calling for strengthened cooperation and increased digital inclusion.

H.E. Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighted the African market—comprising 1.4 billion people—and the pivotal role of digital technologies in the continent’s economic integration.

H.E. Mr. Richard Duke Buchan III, U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, cited the Kingdom of Morocco as a model for digital development.

Mr. Chakib Alj, President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), emphasized the continent’s accelerated digital transformation—driven notably by artificial intelligence—while highlighting the critical issues of digital sovereignty and skills development.

Finally, Mr. Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the ADD, reaffirmed Morocco’s strong commitment to the digital agenda—a commitment championed at the highest levels of the State—as well as the growing success of GITEX Africa in strengthening both the national and African digital ecosystems.

A Strategic Gathering for Africa

From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity—including fintech—GITEX Africa 2026 has established itself as an indispensable platform for fostering innovation and cultivating strategic partnerships.

The event exemplifies the African continent’s determination to move beyond mere technological adoption and become a genuine producer of innovative, competitive solutions with significant economic impact.