GITEX Africa 2025 Post Show Report: Africa Takes the Lead in the Global Tech Narrative

From April 14 to 16, 2025, Marrakech once again became the beating heart of Africa’s tech ambitions as GITEX Africa 2025 took over the city with even more scale, energy, and global attention than ever before. This third edition delivered a masterclass in momentum, doubling down on the promise that Africa is not just catching up—it’s leading its own transformation. 

With over 45,000 visitors from 130+ countries, 1,400+ exhibiting companies and startups, and a commanding presence from 650+ government entities and 350+ investors, this year’s edition wasn’t just an event—it was a declaration. A declaration that Africa’s digital future is no longer a hopeful vision, but a present reality being shaped by bold innovation, cross-border collaboration, and a fiercely entrepreneurial spirit. 

To put things in perspective: the 2024 edition drew 30,000+ attendees. Now? GITEX Africa has leapfrogged its own benchmarks, marking one of the fastest-growing techs shows globally and the undisputed anchor of Africa’s digital events calendar.  

“While the rest of the world has put Africa as the last thing on their minds, GITEX GLOBAL — the largest tech and startup show in the world — chose, three years ago, to launch globally first in Africa, the toughest continent by every metric. Because we believe in the overpowering ambition and fortitude of the people and governments, GITEX Global proudly chooses Africa as its first choice, and its first pride.”  
– Trixie LohMirmand, CEO, KAOUN International 

From exhibition halls to policy-driven panels, investor lounges to pitch stages, GITEX Africa 2025 showed us what happens when governments, startups, tech giants, and visionaries unite on one stage—backed by the continent’s rising digital confidence.  

For us at TechAfrica News, these were three days of insights, inspiration, and storytelling. We walked the halls. We captured the moments. We interviewed the voices shaping tomorrow. And most of all, we felt the electric undercurrent of a continent that is not waiting for change but pioneering it. 

“Watching GITEX Africa grow from its first edition to what we experienced in 2025 has been remarkable. It’s fascinating to see startups, governments, and investors converge with such energy and purpose and to know that the ideas born here will shape the continent’s digital future. At TechAfrica News, it’s been a privilege to not just witness this evolution, but to be part of the storytelling that connects Africa’s innovators to the world.”
– Akim Benamara, Chief Editor and Founder, TechAfrica News  

If we were to distill the heart of every conversation, keynote, and panel at GITEX Africa 2025 into one central message, it would be this: Africa is no longer trying to catch up—it’s ready to lead. The days of framing Africa as a passive participant in the global tech revolution are behind us. What unfolded across the stages and summit rooms in Marrakech was a confident, continent-wide dialogue about leadership, sovereignty, and innovation on Africa’s terms. 

GITEX Africa 2025 featured a dynamic series of forums that explored the industries shaping the continent’s digital future. From the Digital Summit setting the stage with reflections on Africa’s transformation journey, to the Future Connectivity Summit showcasing the next wave of broadband, 5G, and satellite expansion, the conversations were bold and forward-thinking. AI Everything positioned artificial intelligence as a present-day game-changer, not a distant dream, while the Cybersecurity Forum underscored the urgent need to safeguard Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem. The Future of Finance Summit mapped out fintech’s evolution—highlighting the rise of blockchain, digital banking, and mobile money solutions designed for African realities. Meanwhile, GITEX Impact Africa and Health Africa amplified the role of technology in driving sustainability and improving access to healthcare. 

Across the exhibition floor, technology’s footprint was visible in nearly every sector: education, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, climate, and mobility. But more than just products and pitches, what stood out were the homegrown solutions—African-built, African-led, and proudly solving African problems. 

GITEX Africa 2025 made one thing clear: the narrative has changed. Africa’s digital dialogues are no longer centered on “how do we join the race?” but rather “how do we set the pace?” 

Because the conversations have evolved. We’ve moved past the fear of being left behind. Now, it’s about how we lead, how we build, and how we scale, with purpose, at pace, and on our own terms.  

GITEX Africa 2025 was more than a showcase—it was a launchpad for transformative partnerships, bold investments, and visionary commitments that are set to accelerate Africa’s digital future. 

One of the week’s standout headlines came from Nokia  and Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, who inked a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed by Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Nokia VP Pierre Chaume, underscored a mutual commitment to Digital Morocco 2030—with collaboration planned in next-gen infrastructure, policy development, and equitable tech access across the Kingdom. 

Another major milestone emerged with a US$40 million venture fund announcement led by International Finance Corporation (IFC)  and Proparco . Their first-ever investment under Morocco’s new legal framework will fuel EmergingTech Ventures Fund II, a bold initiative to back early-stage startups across Morocco, Tunisia, and Francophone West Africa. This isn’t just funding—it’s a vote of confidence in the region’s DeepTech, FinTech, HealthTech, and CleanTech pioneers. 

In a powerful alliance to uplift entrepreneurs, Ericsson  joined forces with Morocco’s Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills (MIEPEEC). Their newly minted MoU aims to digitally upskill small businesses through Ericsson’s global education programs, aligning closely with Morocco’s Digital 2030 agenda to build an inclusive and future-ready entrepreneurial landscape. 

Cybersecurity also took center stage as Nigeria’s NITDA  formalized a key partnership with SeCDojo, SAS, a cybersecurity training powerhouse. This collaboration targets national resilience through focused capacity-building initiatives, cyber hygiene promotion, and wide-reaching skill development—echoing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for security-driven prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

In fintech, global digital payments leader Visa revealed strategic investments and partnerships with rising stars Konnect (Tunisia) and PayTic (Morocco), following their participation in Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator. These collaborations aim to scale seamless payment solutions and enhance risk control in the continent’s fast-evolving digital finance space, proving once again that GITEX Africa is where innovation meets investment. 

At GITEX Africa 2025, meaningful dialogue was at the heart of progress—and TechAfrica News was proud to be an integral part of it. Our Chief Editor and Founder, Akim Benamara, took center stage as a moderator for three pivotal panel sessions, guiding timely and vital discussions that cut to the core of Africa’s digital transformation. Alongside leading experts, innovators, and policymakers, Akim helped steer conversations that explored both challenges and opportunities across the continent’s tech ecosystem. 

Connectivity as the Foundation of the New Global Digital Economy

Akim Benamara opened this session with a probing question on which part of Africa’s connectivity foundation is lagging. Panelists—including Abderrahmane Mounir, Dr. Mactar Seck, Dr. Oscar Ondo, Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh, and Roque Lozano—highlighted that connectivity goes beyond infrastructure to encompass trust, affordability, political will, and strategic policy. Lozano emphasized that connectivity’s true value lies in quality and access, while Seck called it Africa’s economic superhighway crucial for inclusive growth. 

“There is no alternative to digital, and no digital will be possible without a trusted, affordable connectivity platform that enables full digitalization.”
– Roque Lozano, SVP, Nokia 

The session concluded with a call for bold investment and political commitment to transform Africa from a tech consumer into a digital leader.  

“Connectivity cannot wait. Because 70% of the indicators of the SDGs depend on connectivity. We have 169 indicators across the 17 SDGs and 119 of them will be accelerated by using connectivity. So, delaying connectivity means you are delaying the whole achievement of the SDGs.”
– Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh, Regional Director for Africa, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

 

From Telco to TechCo — Africa’s Bold Leap into the Future

In this panel, Akim guided a discussion with industry leaders Dr. Krish Ranganath of Africa Data Centres, Mohamed Bennis and Didier Kla of Orange, and Mikko Lavanti of Nokia, about the telecom sector’s evolution into tech-driven enterprises. Bennis stressed that this shift is essential for survival amid shrinking traditional revenues. Kla framed diversification into cloud, AI, and cybersecurity as a necessity, not a luxury. Lavanti highlighted Nokia’s focus on ethical business and local talent development, while Ranganath urged turning partnerships into scalable, affordable solutions suited for Africa’s unique markets. 

“We need to bring real value from digital to our people and our businesses. That means ensuring inclusive, high-quality connectivity for everyone — and building the capabilities around that: cloud, security, data. Our customers are transforming, and we must transform with them.”
– Mohamed Bennis, B2B Sales Director, Orange Maroc 

 

The panel underscored that transitioning to techcos requires not just technology investments but a cultural shift towards collaboration, adaptability, and local relevance. 

“Telecom operators, for a matter of survival, are forced to find new growth rates. Cloud, cybersecurity, data, AI — these are the enriched layers of connectivity that are shaping today’s digital landscape. Operators must focus on them to secure their future sustainability. We’re all aware of the mounting challenges — this is no longer optional. For telecom operators, transformation has become a question of survival.” – Didier Kla, Director of Orange Business and Broadband

 

Digitizing Governance for Transparency and Inclusion 

This panel exploring how African governments are harnessing digital technologies to boost transparency and foster inclusive governance featured Leaders like Moulay Abdelaziz EL AMRANI, Aude Fournier, Filip Mrdak, and Driss Lemjaouri shared practical insights from Morocco, France, Serbia, and beyond.  

Aude Fournier emphasized the human side of digital transformation in Marseille—tackling skill gaps through tailored training programs like Focus Marseille and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to ensure long-term inclusion. 

Filip Mrdak highlighted Serbia’s success in supporting SMEs with hands-on, customized digital strategies that align technology with business goals, resulting in job creation, increased profitability, and a national digital transformation policy. Marseille’s commitment to open-source software, cybersecurity, ethics, accessibility, and sustainability reflects a broader vision of responsible, people-centered digital governance. Driss Lemjaouri outlined Morocco’s integrated approach, combining government and private sector efforts to build capacity and ensure digital tools serve all citizens equally. 

The consensus: digitizing governance is less about platforms and more about people—building transparent, efficient systems that empower and include every citizen. Africa’s digital future depends on turning this vision into bold, inclusive action. 

As part of our signature TechAfrica News coverage, we of course took to the show floor—where ideas come alive and Africa’s digital potential is on full display. We spoke to the innovators who are not just talking about transformation but building it. These conversations are always real, and revealing—offering firsthand insights into the tools, technologies, and bold ambitions driving Africa’s digital journey forward.

Smart Africa on Harmonizing Connectivity, AI, and Investment for Africa’s Digital Future 

Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa , shared powerful insights on Africa’s digital transformation journey—emphasizing that “there’s no digital transformation if there’s no connectivity.” He unpacked the dual challenge of the coverage and usage gaps, advocating for smart policy, private sector-driven investment, and the potential of LEO satellites to achieve universal access. Beyond connectivity, Koné also stressed the need for AI-native digital infrastructure, ethical AI deployment tailored to Africa’s realities, and robust regulatory frameworks that empower innovation.  

 “Whether or not the government takes action, the private sector is bound to invest in infrastructure—because it’s an existential issue. The government’s role, therefore, should be to create a conducive environment that enables private sector investment, while also establishing clear guidance, safeguards, and regulations for the use of emerging technologies. It’s private sector-first when it comes to investment, and then the government steps in—particularly for universal connectivity.”  

– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa   

 

Nokia’s Roque Lozano on Why Connectivity Must Come Before Digital Transformation 

Nokia ’s Roque Lozano stressed that digital transformation starts with reliable, high-quality connectivity. He advocated for early monetization of networks, practical step-by-step implementation, and stronger public-private collaboration to turn digital ambitions into action across Africa.  

“If you don’t have the right connectivity, you will never have the capability to benefit from digitalization, from the digital economy. Everything starts with connectivity, and without connectivity, you cannot build any digital case.”  

– Roque Lozano, Senior Vice President Network Infrastructure, Nokia 

 

Emmanuel Manasseh on Urgency, Unity & Innovation in Africa’s Digital Future

Emmanuel Manasseh of the ITU  emphasized that “connectivity cannot wait.” He urged for political will, strategic investment, and infrastructure sharing to avoid waste and close coverage gaps. Manasseh also called for a unified government approach, private sector partnerships, and AI-driven innovation to unlock Africa’s digital future and drive sustainable, inclusive growth

“I think one of the key issues is connectivity at the heart of digital transformation. And connectivity cannot wait because delaying investment in connectivity is delaying achievement of the sustainable development goals as well as delaying the development of socio-economic activities.” 
– Emmanuel Manasseh, Regional Director Africa, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

 

Dr. Ondo: Why Connectivity Alone Won’t Transform Africa

Dr. Oscar Ondo, CEO of GITGE , stressed that infrastructure is only the starting point. Real transformation lies in closing the usage gap—through education, affordable devices, and local content. He called for stronger policies, grassroots empowerment, and ownership of Africa’s data, warning that without control over its data and AI development, Africa risks being left behind in the global digital race.  

“The usage gap is a major concern. Raising awareness, providing education, and offering training are crucial so that people truly understand the value and benefits of being connected. Without that understanding, they won’t fully embrace or utilize the connectivity available to them.”

– Dr Oscar Ondo, CEO, GITGE

 

Dr. Mactar Seck’s Roadmap: Power, Policy & People for a Connected Africa

Dr. Seck of UNECA  laid out a clear, urgent roadmap: digital inclusion in Africa hinges on three essentials—electricity, infrastructure, and collaboration. With only 38% of Africans connected and rural connectivity at just 23%, he stressed that without power and inclusive policies, talk of AI and data centers remains out of reach. His call: invest in renewable energy, build regional alliances, and harmonize regulations to truly bridge the digital divide and unlock Africa’s youth-driven future.  

“Some countries in Africa have more electricity than others. But when they come together and combine their strengths, they can address the continent’s electricity challenges. In addition, we must explore alternative energy sources—solar, wind, hydrogen, and even nuclear. These are powerful options that can help close the energy gap across Africa”
– Dr. Mactar Seck, Chief of Technology and Innovations, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Cybervergent on Safeguarding Africa’s Digital Transformation with AI-Powered Cybersecurity 

Cybervergent ’s CEO, Adetokunbo Omotosho, spotlighted an AI-powered cybersecurity platform tailored for Africa’s fast-digitizing landscape. With mobile connections booming, he warned: digital growth without protection is like building treasures without locks. Cybervergent’s “think local, act global” model aligns with African regulations and global standards—empowering businesses from Ghana to Kenya to stay secure and compliant. More than just a tool, it’s a flexible framework with real human support, tackling not only data breaches but also Africa’s cybersecurity talent gaps.  

 “We asked ourselves: how can we, as Africans building solutions for Africa, ensure we’re doing it right? That’s where our approach comes in — think local, act global. For us, thinking local means deeply understanding and adapting to local regulations and realities.”
– Adetokunbo Omotosho, CEO, Cybervergent 

 

Digital Virgo’s Blueprint for Morocco’s Digital Inclusion and Growth

Mounia Terhzaz, CEO of Digital Virgo  Africa, highlighted the company’s role as a strategic partner in Morocco’s digital transformation. By combining advanced technology with local market insight, Digital Virgo drives financial inclusion through alternative payments like direct carrier billing and mobile money, reaching millions of unbanked users. They also empower local content creators across sectors like music and eSports to grow across Africa. Despite challenges in Morocco’s conservative payment culture, Digital Virgo remains optimistic about the future, fueling Morocco’s digital economy with innovation and partnerships.

“At Digital Virgo, we are more than just a service provider. We are a key and strategic partner in Morocco’s digital transformation and transition. This means we act and co-build with the stakeholders of Morocco on a broader ecosystem and digital objectives, which include financial inclusion and accessibility to content.”
– Mounia Terhzaz, Regional CEO for Africa, Digital Virgo 

Core Networks, Cybersecurity, and AI: Protei’s Strategy for the African Market 

Daria Obukhova from Protei  shared the company’s focus on core network solutions and cybersecurity, including their Signaling Firewall to protect networks from fraud. Protei is cautiously integrating AI mainly for analytics to optimize performance. On 5G, Obukhova noted that standalone 5G demand in Africa is limited—non-standalone 5G suffices for most users, with standalone 5G mainly needed by industrial sectors like mining. She also highlighted challenges like affordability and low smartphone penetration slowing 5G adoption across the continent. 

Operators—especially big ones—often use 5G more as a marketing tool. In reality, non-standalone 5G is sufficient for regular subscribers. We’re ready to provide that, and we’re also supporting standalone 5G for industry clients building networks from scratch, though it’s not widespread yet.”
– Daria Obukhova, International Business Development, Protei 

 

Enghouse Networks on Driving 5G Innovation and AI-Powered Agility for Emerging Markets

Charbel Fadel from Enghouse Networks  showcased their 5G-ready core functions and AI-powered tools for fault management and SMS fraud detection. Their flexible, cloud-native solutions help African operators adapt quickly to growing demand across varied markets. This focus on innovation and agility makes Enghouse a key player in Africa’s telecom future.

 “At Enghouse Networks, we recognize the importance and the agility and the growth of the African market. We know that subscribers are growing very fast, and operators need to adapt rapidly to this growth.”
– Charbel Fadel, Technical Sales Manager EMEA, Enghouse Networks 

 

From Telco to Techco: Orange’s Bold Growth Strategy for Africa

Mohamed Bennis of Orange Morocco  shared how the company is shifting from traditional telecom to a tech-driven future. While expanding 4G and 5G infrastructure in underserved areas remains key, Orange is focusing on customer-centric, tailored solutions for sectors like agriculture and healthcare.  

“There is a shift, but still, we need to develop infrastructure in this region. We need also to listen to what is at stake for our customers, what are their priorities, and to be able to transform their need into real use cases.”
– Mohamed Bennis, B2B Chief Sales Officer, Orange Morocco

 

Kenya ICT Authority’s Stanley Kamanguya on Connectivity and Collaboration for Africa’s Digital Future

Kenya’s ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya highlighted connectivity as both a key enabler and a challenge, urging for smarter infrastructure sharing and collective action to close the digital divide. Kamanguya also underscored the vital role of media in shaping a shared vision for the continent’s digital future, calling for unified messaging and long-term commitment to Africa’s tech growth. 

“We’re challenging you, Tech Africa News and the other media stations and organizations to really help us get this message out and show people the long-term outcomes that we expect to get out of these deliberations.”
– Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority of Kenya

 

Mikko Lavanti on Nokia’s Inclusive Digital Transformation in Africa

Nokia ’s Mikko Lavanti shared insights on Africa’s shift from traditional telco to techco. He emphasized the need to build real coverage everywhere through strong partnerships and shared infrastructure, citing projects in Liberia and Ghana. Lavanti highlighted an innovative 5G Wi-Fi sharing model in Cape Town that makes connectivity affordable and empowers local businesses. He stressed that ethical business and a people-first approach must guide this transformation to ensure investments truly benefit communities. 

“From Nokia’s perspective, it’s about having connectivity with the right speed, with the right quality—everywhere. But we also talk about ethical business. So, it’s extremely important here that we make sure every dollar being spent is spent on the people.”
– Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President, Mobile Networks Market for Middle East and Africa, Nokia

 

Next Starts Now
Ericsson’s Bold Strategy for a 5G-Powered Africa

Majda Lahlou Kassi of Ericsson  outlined a bold plan to use 5G to drive Africa’s digital transformation. Ericsson focuses on nationwide coverage, open ecosystems, supportive policies, and education to empower users and developers. 5G is already impacting sectors like agriculture by providing affordable, reliable connectivity and AI tools to farmers. Partnerships with governments and education programs are crucial to building a connected, innovative Africa.  

“With 5G gaining momentum across the continent, we’re focused on how it can truly unlock Africa’s full potential. We’re approaching this from multiple angles—looking at what 5G means for consumers, how it empowers enterprises and the public sector, and, increasingly, how it enables developers.”
— Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco; Vice President & Customer Unit Head, West and South Africa, Ericsson

 

Mitsumi on Powering Africa’s Digital Transformation with AI and Partnerships

Rajveer Shah highlighted Mitsumi ’s shift to value-added distribution, focusing on AI solutions, vendor partnerships, and skills training. They promote tech access with flexible financing and build trust through long-term local relationships across 36 countries, fueling Africa’s digital transformation.

“So, it’s all about partnerships, building trust and loyalty for your growth strategy…In Africa, trust is not cheap. Trust is something that comes after years and years of partnerships.”
– Rajveer Shah, Director, Mitsumi Distribution 

It’s About Innovation, Inclusion, and Potential 

Africa’s tech industry is evolving, driven by expanding connectivity, mobile adoption, and innovative solutions tailored to local needs. Key growth areas include 5G deployment, AI democratization, fintech, and digital infrastructure development. 

The focus is increasingly on inclusive digital transformation—empowering communities, boosting economic growth, and unlocking Africa’s vast potential as a global tech innovation hub. Optimism remains high as the continent invests heavily in technology, education, and infrastructure to fuel its next wave of growth.

“As we witness how collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity are reshaping industries and communities, we are reminded that this journey is just beginning. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities—and together, through shared knowledge and collective effort, Africa’s digital future will be truly extraordinary.”
– Joyce Onyeagoro, Editor, TechAfrica News

We look forward to continuing these vital conversations next year at GITEX Africa 2026 and beyond, keeping you connected to the pulse of Africa’s digital revolution every step of the way.