Morocco Reaffirms Its Role in African Digital Transformation
The Digital Development Agency (ADD) has officially confirmed Morocco's pivotal role at GITEX Africa 2026 by renewing its presidency within the African Council of Information Technology Agencies (CAITA). This significant announcement was made during the 4th CAITA meeting held in Marrakech, Morocco, from April 7 to April 9, 2026, coinciding with the GITEX Africa event. Under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this continental gathering stands as a strategic platform aimed at enhancing integrated and impactful digital cooperation across Africa.
The convening of this 4th CAITA meeting is a testament to the growing influence and importance of this coordination mechanism, which plays a crucial role in the digital transformation efforts of the continent. As a consultative body under Smart Africa, the Council is composed of national digital and IT agencies that work collaboratively to align strategies, share expertise, and develop unified responses to the digital challenges faced by African nations.
During the opening remarks, Mr. Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the Digital Development Agency and current President of CAITA, highlighted the significance of this meeting in furthering the region's digital agenda. The event brought together various stakeholders, including public officials, private sector representatives, investors, academics, and civil society members, who convened for three days to discuss pressing digital issues.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Goals
Mr. El Mezouaghi expressed his honor in presiding over this critical meeting in Morocco, reiterating their commitment to fulfilling the Council's missions and activities. He acknowledged the momentum generated by Smart Africa and the dedication of participating agencies, which is vital for the digital evolution of the continent. This meeting builds on the foundational work initiated since 2023, following the inaugural CAITA meeting that took place in Marrakech alongside the first edition of GITEX Africa Morocco.
Since its inception, CAITA has made significant strides, with the second extraordinary meeting held online to define its operational procedures and adopt an action plan for 2024. The third meeting, which took place on May 29, 2024, in Marrakech, further solidified this progress through strategic discussions and capacity-building initiatives. A subsequent meeting in Rabat in July 2025 marked the launch of crucial initiatives, including the development of Africa's first guidelines for cross-border data exchange, promoting a collaborative approach to digital integration.
Looking ahead, the ADD has laid out an ambitious roadmap for CAITA, centered around a dedicated action plan for 2026-2027. This plan aims to expedite the execution of structural projects, enhance cooperation among member agencies, and foster the emergence of inclusive and results-driven digital governance across Africa. As a result, the Council members unanimously decided to renew Morocco's mandate through the ADD, reaffirming their trust in the Kingdom's leadership to propel this continental initiative forward.
By hosting the 4th CAITA meeting in Marrakech, the Digital Development Agency not only reinforces its role in shaping a coordinated African digital governance framework but also contributes significantly to the collective momentum needed to accelerate the continent's digital transformation for the benefit of its citizens, economies, and institutions.
As reported by kbc.co.ke.
