The first day of GITEX Africa 2024, the continent’s biggest tech event kicked off in the city of Marrakech with buzzing energy. This platform for technology and startups brought together thousands of exhibitors showcasing their innovations to high-profile representatives from various sectors.
It was a hectic but rewarding day for the team at TechAfrica News, as we were front and center to bring you the latest updates from GITEX Africa. With over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries, the event promises to be a landmark occasion for Africa’s tech landscape.
Highlights from Day One: A Grand Opening and Exciting Sessions
The opening ceremony set the tone for the event, exceeding expectations. The Prime Minister of Morrocco, H.E Aziz Akhannouch addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of GITEX Africa as an exceptional platform to discuss ways to position Africa as both a producer and consumer of digital technology.
Today, digital transformation is an indispensable factor in the cooperation among African countries, contributing, in addition to technological development, to economic, social, and political growth in Africa. It is time for Africa to write a new chapter in its history, where digital innovation will be the main driver of our collective progress.
— H.E Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of Morrocco
The opening ceremony was attended by more than 450 officials from across the globe, including notable figures like the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Dr. Ghita Mezzour, the Director General of Digital Dubai, Hamad Al Mansoori, and the Managing Director of Smart Africa, Lacina Koné. An official tour followed the ceremony, where the delegation explored the innovative exhibits.
HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also congratulated King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the successful launch of the second edition of GITEX Africa.
A major announcement by H.E. Dr. Ghita Mezzour revealed a new partnership with Oracle’s research and development branch. This partnership, valued at more than 1 billion Dirhams, aims to boost the digital transformation efforts in the region.
Morocco’s Digital Strategy 2030
A significant highlight of the opening ceremony was the announcement of Morocco’s Digital Strategy 2030. Akhannouch revealed that this strategy, developed through intense collaboration between public and private sectors, focuses on two main axes: digitizing public services and boosting the digital economy to develop Moroccan digital solutions, create added value, and generate employment opportunities.
To support the implementation of this strategy, Akhannouch noted the critical challenge of training young talent and skills. Morocco has signed agreements with major international technology companies to accelerate the digital transition and strengthen local human capacities. By 2027, the Kingdom aims to triple the number of graduates in digitalization.
On the Sidelines: 3rd CAITA Meeting
On the sidelines of Gitex Africa, the 3rd CAITA (Council of African IT Agencies) meeting took place yesterday in Marrakech. Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, emphasized the importance of CAITA —highlighting that the meeting is crucial for advancing cross-border ICT projects, adopting harmonized digital standards, and empowering African digital agencies.
From TechAfrica News: Conversations with Innovators
As Gitex Africa 2024 unfolds, the spotlight shines brightly on the innovative exhibitors showcasing their cutting-edge technologies and solutions. At TechAfrica News, we had conversations with health tech and digital health companies and enterprises. It’s clear that Africa is on the rise, with tremendous potential in the digital health sector.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest insights and highlights from these discussions.
Continuing Today: Outlook for Day Two of GITEX Africa 2024
As GITEX Africa 2024 moves into its second day, Thursday, May 30th, anticipation is high for another day of groundbreaking insights, innovative showcases, and impactful discussions.
Throughout the day, attendees can look forward to a diverse range of sessions covering key topics and trends driving digital transformation across Africa. From AI and cybersecurity to fintech and smart cities, the agenda is packed with engaging panels, discussions, and presentations featuring experts and thought leaders from around the globe.
Highlighted Panels and Discussions:
- 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Healthtech sponsored by AAIC
Speakers:
Delphine Cardi, M&A Manger, CFAO
Hanna Burkhardt, Head of Venture Fund
Nada Nadif, President, Avicenne Health Consulting
- 10:35 – 10: 45 AM | Keynote Address | Expanding the use of Digital Payments
This session will explore Morocco’s payment market, including Bank al Maghrib’s initiatives to open it up, digitize transactions, and future plans for digital payments.
Speakers:
Abderahim Bouazza, General Manager, Bank Al-Maghrib
- 10:35 – 11:10 AM | Afrocentric Venture | Navigating the African Startup Funding Scene
Africa leads global VC growth (+$4.8 billion) but gets only 1.2% of all funding. Why the gap and how to attract investors? Funds aren’t spread evenly: 92% goes to just 4 countries. Which tech areas are still getting investment? Find out!
Speakers:
Elisabeth Moreno, President & Former Minster of Gender Equality, Ring Capital
Marieke Roestenberg, Head of Ventures Program, FMO Ventures
Andrew Carruthers, Co-founder & CEO, Novastarsventure
David Akinin, Founder & CEO, Jabu
Richard Jones, Director of SEMED Region, EBRD
- 10:40 AM – 11:20 AM | Leaders Panel | Africa Unplugged; Leveling Up with Broadband
Africa’s future: How widespread internet and empowering youth can drive shared growth?
Speakers:
Savannah Maziya, Minster of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Kingdom of Eswatini
H.E Belete Molla, Minister of Technology, Ethiopia
Hon. Charles Acheampong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Communications and Digitalization
Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Government of Sierra Leone
- 10:50 – 11:10 AM | Conversation | Unlocking Opportunities in African Healthcare: A Strategic Dialogue
Africa’s healthcare is ripe for investment, but collaboration (public & private) is key to tackling challenges and unlocking its full potential. This session explores promising investment opportunities and how to address information gaps.
Speakers:
Nelly Ale, Head, Health Ecosystems, Mastercard Foundation
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of State, Health & Social Welfare, Social Welfare
- 11:00 – 12:00 PM | AI and Digital Cities sponsored by Dubai Internet City
Speakers:
Lavina Ramkissoon, Technology and Data Expert, United Nations University for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
Arthur Chupeau, Managing Partner, Baobab Network
Sanchit Juneja, Director -Big Data & ML, Booking,com
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Executive Leaders Panel | Are we truly ready for data-driven healthcare?
Africa’s healthcare is set to explode ($70 billion by 2025!), driven by data solutions like remote monitoring, AI, and wearables. However, challenges like data security and infrastructure gaps remain. This panel tackles these hurdles to unlock healthcare’s full potential.
Speakers:
Innocent Chiboma, Principal of ICT Officer Digital Health, Ministry of Health Zambia
Dr. Saad Chaacho, Deputy General Manager, Mediot
Sutowo Wong, Director of Data Analytics, Ministry of Health, Singapore
Dr. Nasir Kenea, Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Canadian Institute for Health Information
Joanne Hackett, Vice President, Health System Services, IQVIA
- 1:50 – 2:20 PM | Panel | Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and All the KYCs In Between
Digital payments are booming, but cyber threats are too! Fintechs are under attack, highlighting the need for strong cybersecurity (global $70bn invested in R&D). Our experts discuss challenges for African organizations and best practices to protect data and stop fraud.
Speakers:
Winnie F. Dongbou, Co-Lead -Editorial, Africa Data Protection
Mark Straub, CEO, Smile ID
Chika Amadi, Senior Cyber Consultant, Bank of England
Senyo Hadzar, CISO Ghana, South Africa & Southern Africa, Standard Chartered Bank
Zechariah Akinpelu, CISO, Unity Bank
Stay Tune for More Updates
The first day has already set a high bar with its vibrant energy and groundbreaking announcements. Stay tuned to Techafrica News for coverage, insights, and highlights from Day Two of GITEX Africa 2024. We’ll keep you informed of the latest developments, key takeaways, and notable moments so you don’t miss a moment of the groundbreaking developments at Gitex Africa 2024.
