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Join on Telegram Marrakech is about to host Africa’s tech elite. Thousands of minds, millions of ambitions, and an infinite sea of name tags will descend on the ochre city from April 14 to 16 for GITEX Africa 2025.
In this bustling event, the real challenge isn’t just attending talks or collecting business cards – it’s making a dent, carving a presence, and ensuring your persona lingers in anyone’s mind after you talk to them.
So whether you’re a founder, developer, policy thought-leader or just someone who talks a good tech game, your personal brand is your armour during this fair. Why? It announces who you are before your handshake does.
So here’s how to create yours properly.
1.Craft a one-liner that sticks
You’d be shocked at how many people show up at conferences without a clear pitch. The question “So what do you do?” shouldn’t leave you stuttering. Develop a snappy, clever, and confident way of explaining who you are, what you do, and what problem you’re solving – or are ambitious to solve.
Avoid jargon. Nobody cares about your “end-to-end AI-powered SaaS-based solution” unless they understand it. Your intro should never sound like a LinkedIn title.
“I work in digital transformation” is meh. “I help African fintechs stop burning cash” is way punchier and humanized.
Think of it as a headline. If it wouldn’t make someone raise an eyebrow in intrigue – or a smile – you have to reword it because it’s not ready for GITEX.
2. Dress with a signature
No, you don’t need a three-piece suit in the scorching 35-degree Celsius heat of Marrakech during GITEX. But still, make an effort.
First impressions matter, and people are visual creatures. You don’t need to cosplay as Steve Jobs or strut like you’re catwalking at the Marrakech Fashion Week to play the part.
Find your clothing identity. Minimalist cool? Bold colours? A signature accessory? The goal isn’t to be flashy. It’s to be remembered. Give them a reason to say, “Oh yes, the one with the green specs.”
Also, dress in a way that is appropriate but you feel comfortable. Confidence is key in these meetings, and you want to make sure you are not fumbling with a wrong button while trying to listen to a potential business partner.
3. Weaponize Your LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is your second business card. Make sure it doesn’t read like a dull CV. Have a decent profile photo (not cropped from a wedding or friends reunion), a sharp headline, and an “About” section that doesn’t induce yawns. If you write or create, pin your best work.
When you go back home from GITEX, share insights and quote speakers. Use proper, trendy hashtags. Show that you’re part of the conversation, not just loitering and passing out business cards.
4. The traditional business card is dead – sort of
If you’re still handing out flimsy little paper-made rectangles, do better. Instead, have your contact info ready on your phone—QR code, LinkedIn, AirDrop. Be slick. Be modern.
But if you insist on going old-school during GITEX, at least get cards that don’t look like they were made in a rush or an afterthought at the local copy shop in the Gueliz district. Go for embossed, minimal, and matte – if you’re doing it, do it well.
5. Unforgettable vs unbearable conversations
Networking is speed dating without the awkward silences. Ask questions. Listen. Don’t pitch immediately – nobody likes that. Find common ground. Be genuinely curious.
Nobody came to GITEX to hear your sales pitch three minutes into a chat. Ask what they’re building. Be the person who listens, not just waits for their turn to talk.
Then, exit gracefully. Lingering too long reeks of desperation. “Let’s catch up after the Health Africa conference – don’t want to keep you” works like a charm. Or “Lovely chatting, I won’t keep you—but let’s connect later” is classy and effective.
6. Follow-Up like a human, not a bot
The GITEX post-conference follow-up is key and arguably the second most important part of ensuring a partnership or formidable professional connection.
Don’t just shoot out generic “nice to meet you” messages.
Refer to the moment you met. Add value. “Here’s that article I mentioned” is far stronger than “Nice meeting you at GITEX 😊.”
Also, if you somehow have their address and had a series of longer meetings throughout GITEX, never underestimate the power of a hand written thank you.
Be useful. Be brief. Be memorable.
7. Don’t be everywhere – plan your time our strategically
With endless talks and panels during GITEX, you can’t do it all. Pick the sessions that align with your interests – or where the people you want to meet will be. Position yourself well: front row for Q&A, or tactically near the exit for that casual chat. Ask one smart question. Get noticed without begging for it.
Final Word: Be magnetic
The best personal brands aren’t those who shout the loudest. They’re the ones who spark curiosity, speak with conviction, and leave people wondering, “Who was that again? He is very interesting. I liked them.”
So as GITEX hums with ambition this April and turns Marrakech into a digital hub, remember: If all else fails, good shoes, confident eye contact, and the ability to listen will get you further than most.
