Marrakech is gearing up to host the highly anticipated GITEX Africa 2026, a technology exhibition that marks a significant milestone in the continent's digital transformation journey. As Africa transitions from mere aspirations to tangible implementation, the event promises to showcase a multi-sectoral approach aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence adoption, enhancing digital infrastructure, and fostering industrial transformation across the continent.
Scheduled to take place from April 7 to April 9, 2026, GITEX Africa in Marrakech will bring together over 1,450 exhibiting companies and startups, alongside participants representing more than 130 countries. This impressive turnout solidifies GITEX's status as one of Africa's premier technology events. Under the patronage of King Mohammed VI and organized by KAOUN International, the event will be supervised by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, with support from the Digital Development Agency.
The 2026 edition is set to attract a diverse international presence, featuring significant participation from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside a notable increase in representation from African digital economies. This trend underscores the growing global interest in the technological and investment opportunities that Africa has to offer. Noteworthy is the first-time participation of national delegations from countries such as Thailand and South Korea, reflecting a widening international consensus on the digital momentum sweeping across the continent.
Additionally, the event will see the involvement of major global players in technology and infrastructure, including Ericsson, as well as prominent financial institutions like Mastercard, which are collaborating with African partners to advance cloud computing, digital connectivity, and modern financial systems. Among the most exciting developments for the 2026 edition is the launch of the Smart Infrastructure for Data Centers (DCII) sector, which addresses the increasing demand for advanced computing capabilities and efficient connectivity within Africa, alongside energy systems capable of supporting the digital boom. This initiative aligns with Morocco's ongoing efforts to implement its national data center agenda, particularly in cities like Casablanca, Dakhla, and Settat, while similar expansion projects are underway in various African markets.
Reflecting the rapid industrial transformations, GITEX Africa 2026 will introduce the Mobility Park, a dedicated space for global players in the automotive and mobility sectors to showcase the latest innovations related to electric and connected transport. This initiative coincides with Morocco's strengthening position in the electric vehicle and battery value chain, making the mobility sector a critical aspect of the country's economic development strategy. Hyundai, the official transportation partner of GITEX Africa, will present its latest innovations in electric mobility, focusing on the IONIQ series. According to Youssef Bennis, General Director of Hyundai Morocco, the company’s participation in GITEX Africa is a “natural and strategic choice,” emphasizing that the event offers a platform to highlight how the mobility sector continues to evolve alongside technologies reshaping the world.
On the financial side, the exhibition will dedicate an expanded space for Future Banking and Finance, aimed at accompanying the digital transformation of banking services, enhancing financial inclusion, and developing cross-border payment systems. Additionally, Seham Bank will participate as a judge in the Supernova startup competition, aiming to support the new generation of technological enterprises in the payment security sector. Ahmed El Yaacoubi, CEO of Seham Bank, noted that Africa is now one of the most dynamic markets in financial technology, emphasizing that support for startups is vital to unlocking new avenues for the continent's digital economy. Meanwhile, Wave Mobile Money, a participating fintech unicorn, stresses that accessibility and simplicity remain key to achieving widespread financial transformation in Africa. Awa Gaye, the Regional Public Policy Manager at the company, stated that Africa is not just a participant in the future of finance but is also contributing to shaping it, thanks to the rapid shift towards user-friendly financial services that align with daily realities.
GITEX Africa Morocco continues to establish itself as a crucial platform for international digital collaboration and a driving force towards building an ambitious, innovative, and sovereign digital Africa. Following the success of previous editions, the 2026 iteration aims to ignite new partnership dynamics and explore more vibrant technological sectors, thereby enhancing the exhibition's impact and presence within the African digital landscape.
As reported by telegraphe.ma.
