Tech : Africa’s digital future is taking shape

By Dounia Ben Mohamed, at Gitex Africa, Marrakech

From April 14 to 16, 2025, Marrakech hosted the third edition of GITEX Africa, reaffirming more than ever its status as the must-attend event for African tech. With record attendance, high-level international delegations, and major strategic announcements, the event took on the role of a catalyst for digital development across the continent. More than just a trade fair, GITEX Africa now stands as the annual barometer of Africa’s digital health — a true marketplace for Africa’s future, where local ambitions intersect with global visions.

With the 2025 edition reaching new heights: more than 45,000 participants from 130 countries, 1,450 exhibitors, and over 350 investors managing about $200 billion in assets converged on the red city. Located in the heart of Marrakech, the exhibition gathered the main actors of the continent’s digital transformation.

But beyond the numbers, it was the energy radiating from the event that left its mark: long queues in front of pitch stages, ongoing activities at exhibition booths, demonstrations of AI, fintech, and greentech… The African startup pavilion, in particular, was the most visited. Young companies from Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, DRC, and Tunisiadrew significant attention.
Innovative Africa, attractive Africa

At the core of the showcase: startups. Competitions, demos, matchmaking sessions — everything was designed to put them in the spotlight. The Supernova Challenge allowed several of them to secure funding and visibility.

Investors from Dubai, London, Lagos, and Casablanca were present to scout future champions. Sign of a maturing sector, African investors were just as numerous as their foreign counterparts. “GITEX Africa has become more than just an event — it’s a driving force behind Africa’s digital transformation,” said Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of Kaoun International, the event’s organizer.

Major strategic announcements

This momentum was also reflected in a series of impactful structural announcements during the event, highlighting the growing commitment of major players to Africa’s digital innovation development.
Visa strengthened its presence on the continent by announcing investments in two African fintechs, Konnect and Paytic, as part of its Africa Fintech Accelerator program aimed at promoting financial inclusion.

Proparco, the investment arm of the French Development Agency (AFD), made significant commitments by announcing strategic partnerships with several African startups, providing funding and support to emerging tech firms.

Meanwhile, TAMWILCOM, Morocco’s national financing institution, signed a partnership with regional accelerator Flat6Labs to support early-stage Moroccan startups, focusing on access to funding, mentorship, and investor networks to boost competitiveness.
These announcements point to stronger digital ecosystems and growing support for tech innovation across the continent.

African capital for African tech

Another strong signal: the presence of Pan-African investment funds like Future Africa, Launch Africa, and Anava(Tunisia), the latter announcing a €3.5 million investment in the New Era fund focused on AI, biotech, and greentech.

“This growth is driven by the continent’s young population and its investment in startups and innovation.”

In Africa, demand for AI skills is expected to grow by 36% between 2020 and 2025

said Simon See, Global Head of the Nvidia AI Technology Center, at GITEX Africa 2025

A growing geopolitical issue

The political dimension was not overlooked. Ministerial delegations from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and France roamed the exhibition halls. Digital technology has now become a strategic lever for states.

GITEX AFRICA 2025 is a privileged meeting place for decision-makers, investors, and innovators to accelerate the continent’s digital integration and foster high-impact partnerships

stated Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform

A structuring ecosystem

Africa no longer wants to be a spectator of the global digital revolution — it wants to be a driver. In 2024, according to the African Development Bank, over 600 tech hubs were active on the continent. According to Partech Africa, African startups raised $3.5 billion in 2023, down from $4.6 billion in 2022. While Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africaaccounted for more than 80% of the investments, dynamic ecosystems are also emerging in Senegal, Tunisia, and Ghana.
Made-in-Africa tech continues to impress: Flutterwave, Wasoko, InstaDeep… African innovations now rival imported models.

Despite the decline in volume, international investors remain convinced that African tech offers long-term growth potential, especially in essential services

commented Cyril Collon, General Partner at Partech Africa, during the 2024 annual VC report presentation

Toward a single African digital market

Some countries are making this ambition a priority. In the same way as Rwanda, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo are accelerating the digitalization of public services.
“Digital has become a catalyst for inclusive development. It’s a new form of independence, based on mastery of infrastructure, talent, and data,” affirms Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa. His alliance brings together 40 African countries, representing over one billion people, with a shared goal: to make Africa a single digital market by 2030.

Persistent challenges, but a clear vsion

Despite this momentum, obstacles remain. In 2023, 63% of Africa’s population was still not connected to the Internet, according to the International Telecommunication Union. High access costs, lack of rural infrastructure, and inequality affecting women and youth remain major barriers.
Nevertheless, Africa is increasingly asserting its digital sovereignty. Regulatory bodies like ARTP in Senegal and NCA in Ghana are gaining advanced capabilities in data, AI, and cybersecurity.

An African vision for tomorrow’s digital world

GITEX Africa 2025 also spotlighted today’s key trends: generative AI, sovereign cybersecurity, African cloud, e-health, climate, and green tech. Panels explored themes such as “AI for Agriculture,” “Tech Against Disinformation,” and “Women and Tech in Africa.”

« Confirming the trend: Africa no longer wants to be a testing ground. It wants to design, code, regulate, and export its own digital vision. And that future is being built now — next stop for the actors of this silent yet decisive revolution: Paris, June 2025, where VivaTech will welcome a large African delegation. An opportunity to continue the dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and remind the world once again: Africa is key to the world’s digital future.