Global investors are eyeing Africa’s $350bn digital market as they converge on Marrakech for the fourth edition of GITEX Africa Morocco, which opened on Tuesday.
The event brings together more than 1,450 exhibitors and over 800 startups from 145 countries in what organisers describe as the continent’s largest technology and digital economy gathering.
The three-day event, running through 9 April, is themed “Catalysing Africa’s Digital Economy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” and is organised by the Digital Development Agency and KAOUN International under Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.
At the opening ceremony, Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, highlighted the country’s transformation of its digital sector into a comprehensive national strategy. He said the country now has a generation of developers, engineers, and entrepreneurs capable of competing globally.
Morocco has also risen 14 places in the government AI readiness index in 2025, expanded 5G deployment to target 45 per cent population coverage by the end of 2026, surpassed 1.4 million fibre-optic home subscriptions, and received its first major cloud hyperscaler investment, creating over 700 jobs.
“The core idea behind GITEX Africa is to give Africa a platform to speak for itself,” Akhannouch said. “Africa has youth, energy, and ambition. What it needs today are ecosystems that target business, create real jobs, and open markets to one another.”
The event will host more than 55,000 attendees, 700 international speakers, and approximately 400 investors from over 40 countries collectively managing $350bn in assets.
North Star Africa, described as the continent’s largest startup showcase, features more than 800 local and international startups, supported by scale-up programmes, talent academies, and investor matchmaking sessions.
Morocco has also expanded its domestic presence through the “Morocco 300” initiative, which increases government-backed startup participation by 50 per cent compared to last year and covers 95 per cent of participation costs for selected startups.
International delegations are bringing their own startup cohorts, including seven Korean startups supported by the Korea-Africa Foundation, while French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence Anne Le Hénanff underscored growing French-Moroccan collaboration in the tech sector.
Sustainability and greentech occupy a central space in the programme, reflecting the organisers’ view of AI and digital innovation as tools for sustainable development across African markets.
Earlier, the CEO of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, Trixie LohMirmand, said, “In just four years, GITEX AFRICA has evolved from a bold launch into a powerful engine of momentum for Morocco, attracting new global companies, investors, and cross-border partnerships that are reshaping the country’s innovation landscape.
“What we are witnessing is not just event growth but Morocco’s accelerated rise in global relevance, strengthening its competitive position, deepening its digital economy, and firmly placing it on the map as a leading innovation hub for Africa and beyond.”
