Rabat – As anticipation mounts for the forthcoming Gitex Africa 2024, Ghita Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, has highlighted the burgeoning confidence of global stakeholders in Morocco’s digital trajectory.
Speaking to Morocco World News today on the sidelines of a press conference on the much-anticipated event, Mezzour spoke about the exponential growth expected this year, with an impressive surge in exhibitors, start-ups, and visitors compared to the inaugural event last year.
“We are expecting 1500 exhibitors compared to 900 exhibitors last year, 800 start-ups compared to 400 start-ups last year, and over 50,000 visitors compared to around 30,000 last year,” she said.
“This enthusiasm reflects the confidence of global stakeholders in positioning Morocco as a true regional player in the digital sphere,” the minister added, noting that the event is expected to open up new investment opportunities, market access for companies, and job opportunities for Moroccan youth.
Mezzour stressed: “Gitex will also strengthen Morocco’s positioning as a contributor to the development of Africa.”
The event aims to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and opportunities in the digital sphere across the African continent.
With visitors from over 130 countries, Gitex Africa is set to provide a platform for stakeholders from various sectors including government, academia, industry, and startups to come together, share insights, and foster collaborations.
Also present at today’s press conference, Trixie Loh Mirmand, the CEO of Kaoun International and EVP of Dubai World Center, echoed Mezzour’s sentiments as she emphasized the role of Gitex Africa in uniting diverse elements of the digital ecosystem.
“Gitex Africa is a very, very pivotal event to converge and bring together everyone in the ecosystem, from government officials, academia, investors, startups and future inventors, and of course the young generation,” Mirmand told Morocco World News.
She also highlighted Morocco’s remarkable strides in digital transformation, commending the country’s burgeoning ecosystem of forward-thinking startups.
“We have grown by 70% this year and we’re going to be bringing and hosting 1400 companies coming from more than 60 countries and we’re very delighted that we have over 700 startups that are going to be coming into the show this year,” she said.
In addition, Mirmand noted the significant increase in Moroccan representation, with over 530 Moroccan companies set to take part, representing an 85% growth from the previous edition.
For Mirmand, this substantial growth in participation reflects the growing prominence of Gitex Africa as a premier platform for collaboration, innovation, and driving digital transformation across the African continent.
She also emphasized the significance of the event in facilitating discussions on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, cloud computing, IoT, and cybersecurity.
