Marrakech smells like jasmine, spice, and ambition. That’s the best way I can describe the energy surging through GITEX Africa 2025, which kicked off on Monday with an impressive showing: over 1,450 exhibitors, 350 global investors, and 650 speakers representing 130 countries.
Now in its third edition, GITEX Africa has cemented itself as the continent’s largest and most influential tech and startup showcase. More than just a massive event, it’s a symbol of Morocco’s strategic rise as a pan-African tech hub—a status propelled by strong government support, policy reforms, and a flourishing culture of innovation.
The atmosphere at Place Bab Jdid, Bd Al Yarmouk, the event’s sprawling venue, was electric. The scale of it all is dizzying—so much so that I’ll admit, I got lost three times navigating its winding pathways. But that disorientation speaks to the sheer volume of activity: booths pulsing with product demos, founders fervently pitching to investors, and curious attendees soaking up the latest in AI, fintech, healthtech, agritech, and more.
On the main stages, some of the brightest minds in global tech tackled heavyweight topics: renewable energy, the digital transformation of public services, the evolution of telecom infrastructure, and the future of finance in emerging markets. One standout moment was the fireside chat between Flutterwave CEO Gbenga Agboola and TechCrunch reporter Tage Kene-Okafor. Agboola shared the company’s trajectory from scrappy Lagos-based disruptor to becoming one of Africa’s few fintech unicorns, now with global ambitions and operations spanning continents.
In short, GITEX Africa 2025 isn’t just a tech expo—it’s a glimpse into the future Africa is actively building. And from the ground in Marrakech, the future smells a lot like progress.
“GITEX is no longer just an occasion to showcase the latest innovations, but has become a strategic place to strengthen digital inclusion between African countries, to build bridges of cooperation with our international partners, and to accelerate the pace of sustainable digital transformation,” said Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency.
That ambition is visible on the ground. Morocco has attracted foreign direct investment into tech and innovation. In 2024, the Northern African country ranked fifth on the continent after raising $70 million, according to funding tracker Africa: The Big Deal.
At the opening ceremony, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, reminded us that the digital economy now contributes 15% of global GDP. “Aware of the challenges of this digital revolution, the Kingdom of Morocco is actively committed to building a future where digitalization, and through it AI, constitutes a lever for progress, for the benefit of all,” she said.
Leave a Reply