70 percent surge in year-on-year growth at Africa’s largest tech and start-up show in Morocco supercharges the epic African race to define its own digital dynasty

Marrakech, Morocco: Africa’s meteoric rise as an emergent international force in digital transformation coupled with the epic AI opportunity sweeping the globe is set to propel a new era of public-private sector investment collaboration when the continent’s largest tech and start-up event opens in Morocco this month.

The 2^nd edition of GITEX AFRICA, from 29-31 May 2024 in the vibrant city of Marrakech, shall converge global leaders and experts, governments, businesses, big tech, start-ups, investors, and academia from 130 countries to catalyse partnerships and advance the future ambitions of a continent determined to elevate its entrepreneurial innovation economy.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, May God Assist Him, GITEX AFRICA is held under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD).

Africa’s blockbuster tech showpiece event is organised by KAOUN International, the overseas affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which organises GITEX GLOBAL in the UAE, the world’s largest and most trusted tech and start-up event.

With the final preparations underway for a purpose-built mega venue in the heart of Marrakech, GITEX AFRICA 2024 will span 21 halls featuring 1,400 international exhibiting companies – a 70 percent year-on-year increase over the event’s record-breaking debut 2023. 

This is the year of the AI phenomenon and its tantalising all-purpose capabilities to transform diverse sectors, from cybersecurity, cloud and IoT, to finance, telecoms, agriculture, and education, amplifying hopes of greater prosperity in the world’s second most populous continent.  AI’s impact on health tech has also spurred the launch of World Future Health Africa, accelerating the continent’s ascending digital health revolution.

More than 700 of the most outstanding global start-ups from 45 countries, including 200 Moroccan start-ups, will also feature at GITEX AFRICA’s North Star Africa start-up showcase, turbo-charging a great investment revival in a resilient and vibrant start-up ecosystem that is estimated to raise US$10 billion in VC funds by 2025.

These award-winning game-changers will connect with 350 investors from 35 countries with US$200 billion worth of assets under management. Now the vital barometer of tech’s massive cross-continental advances, GITEX AFRICA 2024 shall unify the global tech community’s commitment to accelerate a responsible future in the world’s burgeoning Silicon Valley. 

Addressing media at the show’s official preview press conference this Wednesday, May 15, was H.E Dr Ghita Mezzour, Minister of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform; Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD; and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of organiser KAOUN International.

In attendance were GITEX AFRICA’s official institutional partners: the ANRT (Moroccan National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency), ONDA (National Airports Office), OCP, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF (Moroccan National Railway Office), and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).

Ms. Ghita Mezzour, Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, said: “The second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco falls within the framework of the unwavering efforts made by our country in the field of digital transition, in alignment with the Royal Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, who stressed on the importance to optimally leverage the enormous development opportunities digital transition provides for African countries.” Adding: “This edition will further consolidate Morocco’s position as a regional digital hub, thus creating an environment conducive to attracting more investments and stimulating job creation. “

Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, said: “This 2nd edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco is even more ambitious and inclusive, as it responds first and foremost to the enthusiasm it has aroused around the world, and in more ways than one has affirmed Morocco’s positioning as a key hub in the world of technological innovation and the attractiveness of foreign investment in the promising digital sector. This year, just as many themes and sector niches will be highlighted, such as AI, reflecting the growing interest in the new global professions of technological innovation”.

Igniting talent development, catalysing a Pan-African tech rush

AI’s existential prospects and ability to leap-frog traditional barriers of economic development in Africa will dominate discussions at GITEX AFRICA 2024, catalysing a trans-continental tech rush across diverse industries, from cloud and IOT, cybersecurity, digital health, and future finance, to consumer tech, digital cities, and telecoms.

Tech leaders estimate the AI boom will add US$1.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, boosting the continent’s GDP by 5.6 percent, and accelerating the need for urgent digital discourses to deploy the shape shifting tech that is both sustainable and ethical.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said: “The recent developments in AI have created new opportunities and impetus for Africa in its digital transformation mission.

“Hosted in a continent adept at leapfrogging in critical industries, GITEX AFRICA Morocco presents governments, business leaders and talents with unparalleled access to new information and expert knowledge, and big opportunities in digital convergence. This shall empower them to co-create new strategies and solutions for the betterment of society.”

Government ministers, digital visionaries tackle Africa’s pressing tech challenges   

Africa’s most progressive leadership conference programme will meanwhile gather 450-plus speakers from 70 countries, to debate, scrutinise, and tackle the greatest tech challenges and opportunities in the world’s second largest continent with bold ambitions to co-create and define its own Pan-African digital roadmap.

The GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit returns, leading ten conference stages comprising 280-plus hours of mind-stretching content advancing Africa’s digital movement. Impactful agendas will explore government policy and regulation, connectivity, digital cities and future finance, cybersecurity and health tech’s transformative opportunity, along with fast-tracking the world’s most exciting start-up ecosystem and challenging the realities of AI mania.

Her Excellency Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inaugurated the Global Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) today, kickstarting the long-awaited three-day student recruitment exhibition. The opening ceremony was also attended by Chancellors, Vice Chancellors and Provosts of all the major universities in the region, marking the launch of the 2024 edition of the region’s foremost education and training event.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the exhibition which runs from April 24 to 26, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, covers study streams related to emerging and traditional careers with a focus of trending computing, technological advancements, progress in medicine and sciences, leadership and other future career paths for students.

Over 200 universities from 30 different countries are participating this year, offering students nearly 2,500 course options. The event is expected to see over 20,000 visitors in the following days. With its innovative programs and exciting networking possibilities, GETEX promotes international collaboration and educational advancement for all participants.

Her Excellency Aisha Abdulla Miran, said: “KHDA is committed to supporting initiatives that empower students to make informed decisions about their higher education journeys, and GETEX serves as a vital resource for both students and the higher education sector.”

“We welcome students and visitors to stop by the KHDA stand to learn more about international higher education choices right here in Dubai. The 38 universities that are licensed and accredited by KHDA offer more than 650 programmes ranging from business and life sciences to gaming and AI. Enrolments at Dubai’s private universities grew by a record 12% this year, reflecting the city’s strong reputation for high quality higher education choices in the region, attracting future leaders and nurturing a hub for knowledge and innovation” she added.

This year’s highlights also include the second Academia Industry Innovation Conference, which is being hosted under the theme ‘Educating Future Leaders and Innovators,’ with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence. Along with multiple workshops, seminars, and discussions for attendees, there will be an AI hackathon, AI startup showcase, youth career counselling, a youth internship fair, AI innovation awards, and a roundtable discussion with educators and other professionals. Furthermore, students will benefit from over 30 seminars on higher education, guiding them towards their desired academic paths.

Tanya Mokle, Director of GETEX, stated, “With more new courses, universities, and themes each year, we continue to grow in an effort to give students better education options to secure their future. GETEX has always been committed to supporting students and helping them choose their career paths, as well as bolstering the future of young adults with training and professional options available locally and abroad. This year, we are also pleased to welcome 27 Indian Universities, 25 Chinese universities and over 20 universities from Russia and the CIS Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has once again reiterated their commitment to be accessible to students and anyone interested in pursuing an education in Dubai.

GETEX 2024 is set to offer students in the UAE, as well as families and professionals of all ages, the opportunity to interact with regional and international educational institutions from over 40 countries, including USA, India, UK, Russia, China, Australia, Turkey, Malaysia, Germany, Canada, and Hungary, promising first-hand knowledge about diverse academic offers and admission benefits.

Following a resounding success, VAP Group is thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of the inaugural editions of the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show, held on April 16 and 17, 2024, at Grand Hyatt, Dubai.

The heavy rainfall that hit Dubai on Tuesday this week, most of the other events were canceled, only the Global AI Show and Global Blockchain Show took place. There were thousands of attendees who witnessed these grand events. While the event was seeing great success, VAP Group’s CEO, Vishal Parmar, took this moment to announce a significant milestone for blockchain & AI services by launching Times of AI and Times of Blockchain, two digital media subsidiaries of the VAP Group that will contribute to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. These initiatives are poised to make substantial contributions to the ongoing progress in both of these respective fields.

The Global AI Show emerged as a powerhouse platform, showcasing a convergence of international and regional luminaries in the artificial intelligence and machine learning domains. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive exploration of AI’s transformative potential across key sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and oil and gas. With thought-provoking keynote speeches and panel discussions, the event provided invaluable insights into unlocking new possibilities through AI technologies. Notable highlights included Jamie Metzl’s captivating session on the implications of AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions, as well as Dr. Divya Chander’s illuminating journey from brain reading to closed-loop brain-machine interface systems.

Meanwhile, the Global Blockchain Show illuminated the dynamic landscape of blockchain technology, drawing together experts from the web3 ecosystem to share their insights and discuss future opportunities. From thought-provoking presentations by visionaries like H.E. Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, to enlightening fireside chats with industry leaders like Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, Dubai Blockchain Center, attendees were immersed in discussions covering diverse topics ranging from the evolution of the digital ecosystem to the decentralized cloud vision of blockchain platforms like DFINITY.

The interactive presence of Sophia, the world’s first AI-humanoid robot, as the Official Ambassador for both events added a unique dimension, inspiring attendees with the boundless possibilities of AI and web3 technologies.

Various luminaries and experts spoke about advancements in AI and blockchain to come in the next few years. While addressing at the event, Dr. Divya Chander, MD, PhD, Neuroscientist, Physician, Medical Futurist said, “Elon Musk is not the first person to find neuronlike, he is just the famous one”. Additionally, Scott Melker said, “if I had to choose to put my money in the gaming industry, I will put it in India”.

In addition to the rich conference agenda, the events featured a vibrant start-up village where budding entrepreneurs showcased their innovative ideas to potential investors and venture capitalists. The launch of the VAP Accelerator further underscored its commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI and blockchain innovators.

A highlight of these events was the resounding success of the Global Blockchain Awards and Global AI Awards ceremonies, which recognized industry experts and leading organizations for their outstanding contributions.Neoki stood out by winning Best Visionary in Crypto of the Year, showcasing their innovative approach in the cryptocurrency realm. Binance secured Best Exchange of the Year, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer. At the Global AI Awards, H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, UAE, received the prestigious Global Visionary award for Pioneering a New Future, while Rashed AlSuwaidi, from the Ministry of State AI, UAE, was honored with the powering advancement of technology award, emphasizing their significant contributions to technological innovation. ADNOC Distribution won another iconic award for Best AI Achievement in Energy & Utilities, These achievements underscore the profound impact of visionaries and innovators in shaping the future of blockchain and AI technologies.

Both of the events concluded with an unforgettable afterparty at the luxurious White Beach at Atlantis, The Palm, providing a perfect setting for industry experts and enthusiasts to network, forge new connections, and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.

The resounding success of the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show underscores Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. VAP Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support in making these landmark events a grand success.