Gitex Africa 2024 : Africa embraces AI
From May 29 to 31, Marrakech hosted the cream of African innovation. The latest edition of Gitex Africa, held from May 29 to 31, once again highlighted the technological dynamism of the continent. With a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), the event brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders from around the world to discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI in Africa.
By Bylkiss Mentari, in Marrakech
Unsurprisingly, AI was at the heart of discussions during the latest edition of Gitex Africa, held in Marrakech from May 29 to 31. On stage and in the stands, AI was omnipresent, at the center of all demonstrations and panels.
“Africa missed the industrial revolution,” recalls a consultant. “It cannot afford to miss the 4th revolution that has already begun, which will be that of artificial intelligence.” This view was shared by the audience, determined to address Africa’s challenges through AI.
The adoption of AI in Africa is experiencing rapid and promising growth, transforming various key sectors across the continent. Increasingly integrated into fields such as agriculture, health, education, and financial services, AI is bringing innovative solutions to local challenges.
Among the solutions presented at Gitex was Zipline. Although founded in the United States, Zipline has a significant impact in Africa, particularly in Rwanda and Ghana. The company uses autonomous drones to deliver medical supplies to remote regions, ensuring rapid distribution of essential blood and medications. AI is used to plan delivery routes and optimize efficiency.
Aerobotics, a South African company, also uses drones and AI technologies to provide detailed agricultural analyses. Their platform helps farmers monitor crop health, detect diseases, and optimize yields. Data collected by the drones is analyzed by AI algorithms to provide precise recommendations.
DataProphet, also based in South Africa, offers AI solutions for the manufacturing sector. Their predictive and prescriptive algorithms help improve production quality, reduce waste, and optimize manufacturing processes. DataProphet works with industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and metallurgy.
There were many other innovations. In agriculture, startups use drones and AI-based data analysis systems to optimize yields and predict weather conditions. In the health sector, AI helps bridge gaps in healthcare access. Medical diagnostic applications, capable of analyzing images and symptoms, facilitate early disease detection in remote areas where doctors are scarce. In education, personalized online learning platforms, tailored to students’ needs, help reduce educational disparities. Fintech companies are also leveraging AI to develop inclusive financial solutions, such as credit and insurance, accessible to a larger number of people.
However, to maximize AI’s impact, Africa must overcome obstacles such as the shortage of specialized skills, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for suitable regulations. These challenges were addressed during the Gitex Africa Digital Summit, the highlight of the second edition of Gitex Africa Morocco.
Experts predict that the AI boom could add $1.2 trillion to the African economy by 2030, increasing the continent’s GDP by 5.6%. “To ensure that AI benefits everyone, we must propose astonishing innovations,” emphasized Lavina Ramkissoon, technology and data expert at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) in South Africa. Three million people on the continent remain unconnected.
“Artificial intelligence is currently one of the main drivers of growth and performance, both professionally and economically. It is essential to acquire the latest skills in this field to remain competitive and face the challenges of the 21st century.”
Nevertheless, the growing commitment of governments, businesses, and academic institutions suggests a future where AI could play a central role in the continent’s sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence is currently one of the main drivers of growth and performance, both professionally and economically. It is essential to acquire the latest skills in this field to remain competitive and face the challenges of the 21st century
And ambitious initiatives are multiplying. On the sidelines of the event, the Holmarcom group announced the launch of AI Institute, a training center specializing in artificial intelligence based in Casablanca, as well as its partnership with Microsoft to offer certification programs. This initiative, which paves the way for learning and professional development opportunities in a rapidly expanding field, aims to contribute to strengthening innovation within Moroccan companies, according to a joint statement from Holmarcom and Microsoft. “Artificial intelligence is currently one of the main drivers of growth and performance, both professionally and economically. It is essential to acquire the latest skills in this field to remain competitive and face the challenges of the 21st century,” said Karim Chiouar, CEO of the Holmarcom group, quoted in the statement. Meanwhile, Gitex Africa, which brought together more than 1,400 tech companies and startups and over 350 investors from 100 countries, confirmed Africa’s growing potential in technology and innovation. These initiatives show that Africa is not just a market for imported technologies but also a fertile ground for local innovations.
