TechPression

Tag: KAOUN

  • Morocco sets the stage for Africa’s digital future ahead of GITEX AFRICA

    Morocco sets the stage for Africa’s digital future ahead of GITEX AFRICA

    Morocco has reaffirmed its status as a digital powerhouse following a high-level press conference held on April 9 in Rabat, ahead of the third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco. The landmark event, set to take place from April 14 to 16, 2025, in Marrakech, will host Africa’s largest technology startups.

    Organised by KAOUN International and hosted under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the gathering signals Morocco’s strategic role as a gateway to Africa’s digital future. Backed by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform and the Digital Development Agency (ADD), the event highlights Morocco’s commitment to becoming a regional innovation hub and a central player in Africa’s transformation through technology.

    Investing in skills and infrastructure for Africa’s digital rise

    For Morocco, hosting GITEX AFRICA reflects the country’s commitment to a sustained national policy. 

    Related Post: Morocco, France boost green energy partnership with power link projects

    “Morocco’s choice to host this major continental event… is the result of rigorous and sustained work aimed at making our country a regional digital hub,” said Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.

    She added that this is in line with the High Royal Guidelines to train skilled professionals in digital fields, strengthen responsible digital culture, and build infrastructure that meets global standards.

    Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, also explained that “GITEX Africa Morocco has become a major annual milestone on the global tech agenda and a defining moment in the continent’s digital transformation. It seamlessly blends innovation, investment, research, and institutional collaboration, making it much more than a simple technology exhibition. It reflects the vision of a continent that no longer settles for consuming technology but is determined to create it—one that doesn’t just keep pace with innovation but plays an active role in steering its course.”

    Startups, funding and partnerships take the spotlight

    As Africa’s startup scene bounces back with over $2 billion in funding, investors are arriving in droves. More than 350 investors from 35 countries — including Techstars, Ventures Platform, and AFRICINVEST — will attend the event, backed by a combined $200 billion in assets under management.

    Related Post: Morocco’s cybersecurity lapses expose businesses and government to phishing, data theft

    The European Innovation Council and the International Finance Corporation are set to highlight African innovators, including 10 standout women-led startups from the IFC’s SheWins Africa programme.

    Adding to the excitement is the Supernova Challenge, Africa’s largest startup pitch competition, and the presence of Awa Gueye from Wave Mobile Money, one of Africa’s top fintech unicorns.

    Global tech giants and new nations join the digital conversation

    The 2025 edition will feature 1,450+ exhibitors, including global tech players like Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, and Salesforce, alongside new entrants from Gabon, Niger, and Zambia. International delegations from Belgium, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan will also be participating for the first time.

    Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, described the moment as a turning point: “This third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco shall usher the African economies into the epoch of AI evolution. Great opportunities for businesses and societies ensue, but first with the collective commitment to develop capacity for the transition.”

    Closing the gap: Challenges ahead for the digital agenda

    While the energy around Africa’s digital rise is unmistakable, there are still critical hurdles to address. From inadequate infrastructure in rural areas to digital skill shortages and fragmented regulatory systems, the path to a fully digital Africa isn’t without its obstacles.

    The success of events like GITEX AFRICA depends on sustained collaboration between governments, private investors, and educational institutions, to ensure the momentum benefits every corner of the continent.

  • NITDA, KAOUN plans to launch GITEX Nigeria

    NITDA, KAOUN plans to launch GITEX Nigeria

    In collaboration, GITEX, estimated to generate $25 million, was brought to Nigeria on Thursday by KAOUN International and the National Information Technology Development Agency of Nigeria.

    During the ongoing GITEX Africa in Morocco, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, and the CEO of KAOUN International, Trixie LohMirmand, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. 

    Read also: Fincra to launch EUR virtual account at GITEX Africa

    Benefits of GITEX to Nigeria

    According to Abdullahi, holding GITEX in Nigeria would be a massive step for the country in terms of attracting investment and commerce. 

    He predicted that the event could bring in $25 million in only a few short days. Abdulahi has clarified that Nigeria can export its technology to the world after acquiring this platform. Moreover, he promised visitors that they would visit Nigeria to experience its many wonders. Envision a scenario where 20,000 to 50,000 individuals visit Nigeria and spend $500 or more apiece. 

    In a few days, that amount will probably exceed $25 million. GITEX Global and GITEX Africa are both organised by KAOUN International, which will spearhead the effort in Nigeria. 

    Starting past Wednesday and continuing until Friday, GITEX Africa showcased a wide range of innovative companies and startups, together with over 350 influential investors, 600 conference speakers, and involvement from 100 government bodies. 

    Accelerating trade and economic diversification while boosting productivity in important areas utilising technology was declared by the NITDA’s Director General as the agency’s goal. Abdullahi said the nation can drive economic growth and development by utilising IT to increase productivity in other industries. 

    Gitex Nigeria is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Nigeria to display its state-of-the-art technologies to the world, opening doors to international trade and luring investors looking to make a killing. Abdullahi took great pride in the fact that NITDA had no intention of bringing GITEX to other countries. 

    He says their goal is to implement a novel formula that aligns with Nigeria’s national policy. You can’t trade in isolation, says Abdullahi, and President Tinubu is quite vocal about the need to diversify the economy. He informed them that the president had ordered them to assist with some aspects of the diversification effort.

    Read also: Nigeria to host GITEX Africa 2025 – the continent largest tech show

    GITEX will foster Growth and Innovation – LohMirmand

    Trixie LohMirmand, the Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, enthusiastically welcomed the relationship. To help Nigerian startups explore the potential in artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (fintech), and healthcare (health-tech), she stressed the importance of increasing their involvement in GITEX events. 

    According to LohMirmand, this effort would help Nigeria’s tech strategy by introducing local businesses to regional and international platforms. This will encourage innovation and growth in the country.