GITEX Africa Day 2 in Marrakech delivered more than just tech buzz. It was a masterclass in digital ambition, led by key voices across Africa and the MENA region.
Under the desert sun and within packed expo halls, the continent’s innovators, policymakers, and tech giants came together to define what’s next for digital transformation, AI integration, and inclusive growth.
From climate-resilient tech to AI-powered health systems, the message from Marrakech was loud and clear: Africa’s digital future will be shaped through meaningful collaboration and MENA countries are ready to play a central role in that transformation.
One of the most significant milestones of the GITEX Africa Day 2 came from Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, which officially launched GITEX Future Health Africa.
This new, pan-African platform created in partnership with KAOUN International and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health, is set to debut in Casablanca from 21–23 April 2026.
It will spotlight digital health innovations, from AI diagnostics to smart healthcare systems, and champion public-private partnerships to bridge the region’s healthcare access gaps.
H.E. Amine Tehraoui, Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, while speaking on the launch said, “We need more inclusive, agile, and scalable health infrastructure. Through initiatives like GITEX Future Health Africa, we are pushing to strengthen regional health systems, driven by innovation.”
GITEX Africa Day 2 also saw a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nokia and Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, further cementing the country’s “Digital Morocco 2030” ambitions.
The agreement, signed by Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Pierre Chaume, VP of Nokia Network Infrastructure for North, West, and Central Africa, outlines collaboration on next-gen infrastructure and inclusive digital policies.
“Our shared vision is to ensure that digital adoption reaches every part of Moroccan society,” said Minister Seghrouchni, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to tech and connectivity across the country.
GITEX Africa Day 2 Brings New Deals, New Impact
Beyond the buzz of announcements, GITEX Africa Day 2 reflected a deeper narrative that the MENA region is not only a key player but a strategic partner in Africa’s digital leap.
A standout moment was the landmark investment agreement between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco, marking their first venture investment under Morocco’s newly updated legal framework.
The proposed US$40 million injection into EmergingTech Ventures Fund II will back startups across Morocco, Tunisia, and Francophone West Africa — with a clear focus on high-impact sectors such as DeepTech, FinTech, HealthTech, and CleanTech.
This move signals a strong vote of confidence in the MENA region’s capacity to drive scalable, tech-enabled development. With Qatar’s own tech ecosystem pushing for deeper regional ties and investment opportunities, this model of cross-border capital and innovation could offer valuable lessons.
Further momentum came with Ericsson and Morocco’s Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills (MIEPEEC) signing a fresh MoU to boost entrepreneurial empowerment and digital upskilling at the GITEX Africa Day 2.
The partnership aims to give Moroccan small businesses access to global digital skills programs and resources, aligning closely with the broader goals of Morocco’s Digital 2030 strategy.
“Digital inclusion isn’t just a policy goal, it’s an economic imperative,” said a representative from MIEPEEC. “With partners like Ericsson, we’re equipping our entrepreneurs with tools to succeed in a global digital economy.”
Voices from MENA Region: Shaping Africa’s Tech Future
MENA leaders were not just in attendance at GITEX Africa Day 2, they were shaping the conversation. Multiple speakers from across North Africa and the broader Middle East featured in panel discussions covering everything from data infrastructure and e-governance, to AI ethics in healthcare and sustainable digital economies.
One session that stood out was the “eGovernance for Better Public Administration” panel, where Ismail Besri, Director of Digitalization of Administration (Morocco), spoke alongside leaders from Uganda, France, and Qatar’s regional neighbors. The discussion focused on how digital transformation can unlock government transparency, reduce corruption, and deliver better public services , themes that resonate strongly with governments across the Gulf.
Meanwhile, the panel on “Building Africa’s AI-Ready Ecosystem” featured Amine Kandil, CEO and Founder of N+ONE Datacenters (Morocco), and Amine Benchekroun, VP, IT & Datacenter at Schneider Electric (Morocco), highlighting how Morocco is becoming a serious player in regional data infrastructure and AI readiness.
“We are building ecosystems that are not only AI-ready but AI-responsible,” Kandil emphasized. “That means policy, infrastructure, and education must all move in sync.”
Another key panel on Green Computational Power during the GITEX Africa Day 2 event echoed concerns that are increasingly pressing in Qatar and the Gulf: how can countries meet rising data demands while ensuring sustainability?
Latifa Aghad, Country Manager at BlueSun Data Centres (Morocco), emphasized, “Smart, energy-efficient data centers will be the foundation of sustainable growth and MENA countries are uniquely positioned to lead this transition.”
Beyond GITEX Africa Day 2, What to Expect from Day 3
As the final day of GITEX Africa 2025 approaches, the energy in Marrakech remains electric. More high-stakes MoUs are expected, along with breakout panels covering AI-driven healthcare, digital governance, and the strategic surge in data centers across Africa and the MENA region.
For MENA observers, particularly from Qatar, the alignment of shared challenges and solutions is unmistakable. Whether it’s infrastructure scaling, regional investments, or ethical AI adoption, the synergy between Africa and the Middle East is stronger than ever.
As the digital future unfolds, it’s clear that the MENA region won’t just be watching — it will be building it, side by side with Africa.
