From April 7th to 9th, Marrakech hosts the fourth edition of GITEX Africa Morocco, a key event dedicated to digital technologies and innovation on the continent. More than 1,450 companies and startups, 400 international investors, and participants from over 130 countries are taking part. Discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital solutions. The theme for this edition is: "Catalyzing the African digital economy in the age of artificial intelligence."

The opening ceremony brought together political leaders, representatives of international organizations, business executives, and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem. A common thread ran through the various presentations, addressing the challenges related to digital transformation and Africa's place in the global digital economy.

The head of the Moroccan government, Aziz Akhannouch, reflected on the evolution of the technology event held in Marrakech. According to him, the event now transcends the framework of a trade show: “GITEX Africa Morocco has gone beyond the simple framework of an annual exhibition. It has become a true platform for partnerships and the creation of opportunities, illustrating Morocco’s role as a regional innovation hub and as a strategic bridge connecting Africa to the rest of the world.”

He also discussed the Kingdom's trajectory in the digital field. According to him, the country's digital transformation is based on a long-term strategy that places technology at the heart of public policy. "Morocco's digital transformation rests on a long-term national vision that makes digital technology a driver of reform, modernization, and competitiveness. Through GITEX Africa Morocco, this vision is now contributing to building a shared digital future for the African continent," he explained.

For the head of government, technological innovations are only worthwhile when they have a social and economic dimension. "Technology only makes sense when it tangibly improves people's lives: when it allows a young person to find a job, an entrepreneur to develop their business, or citizens to access public services more easily. This is the ambition that Morocco is pursuing through GITEX Africa Morocco," he believes.

Also present at the ceremony, the Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, spoke of the event's growing scale over the years. She noted that the gathering brings together tens of thousands of participants from numerous countries and contributes to shaping discussions on the continent's technological future.

In her speech, she stated that "By bringing together more than 50,000 participants in Marrakech, GITEX Africa Morocco is establishing itself as a strategic platform where the major directions of the continent's digital future are being defined," with, she continued, "an influence that goes beyond Africa and is part of global technological balances."

In her address, the government official also discussed the choices made by Morocco in an international context characterized by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and geopolitical tensions surrounding technology. She stated: “Morocco has chosen an ambitious path. In a world marked by geopolitical tensions and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the Kingdom is developing a model of technological sovereignty that places innovation, responsibility, and the public interest at the heart of the digital transformation.” According to Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, the Kingdom can play a mediating role between different technological and economic spaces. “Morocco can embody a third way in the field of digital technology and artificial intelligence: an approach based on sovereignty, authenticity, and balance. With GITEX Africa Morocco, the Kingdom affirms its role as a platform for dialogue connecting Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic region.”

As for the president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, Chakib Alj, he focused his remarks on the transformations observed in the African digital economy. In his view, the continent is no longer limited to simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere.

Moustapha TOUMBOU (correspondent in Marrakech)