Africa’s tech talent seeks global backing at GITEX
The Chief Executive Officer of KAOUN International, Trixie LohMirmand, has said Africa’s tech potential demands global investment to drive innovation.
She urged the world to recognise the continent as a tech powerhouse.
“This region is vastly underestimated,” LohMirmand said on Monday during her opening remarks at GITEX Africa 2025 in Morocco, the continent’s largest tech summit, running until April 16.
Highlighting its human capital, she added, “Africa’s intelligence ranks among the world’s highest. It belongs atop the global tech stage, alongside leading economies.
“While many companies put Africa last in their priorities, we’ve chosen to put it first—our first choice, first pride, and first love.
“Africa must be firmly placed on top of the global tech stage, alongside the most advanced technology economies in the world—because that’s where it deserves to be.”
GITEX Africa Morocco’s third edition opened on Monday as the continent’s largest gathering of globally influential tech leaders, government officials, and innovators.
The event is held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and under the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.
It is hosted in partnership with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency and organised by KAOUN International, the overseas events agency of Dubai World Trade Centre and global organiser of GITEX events.
“This is not just an exhibition—it’s an African universe outside,” LohMirmand said, referring to the 24 exhibition halls filled with startups, policymakers, investors, and tech disruptors.
“There is enthusiasm, emotion, and talent in every hall, and more importantly, there is openness—a willingness to learn, share, and collaborate with the world to rise above.”
She acknowledged the challenges of building a globally relevant tech event in Africa but stressed that sustaining excellence is the greater task. “It’s easy to build a show. It’s tougher to stay at the top,” she said.
The Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, Amal Seghrouchni, said the event affirms the growing importance of the digital economy, which represents today 15 percent of global GDP, or some $6.5 trillion.
“Aware of the challenges of this digital revolution, the Kingdom of Morocco is actively committed to building a future where digitalization, and through it, AI, constitutes a lever for progress, for the benefit of all.
“It is in this sense thatMajesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, affirmed in his speech to the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Kigali in March 2018: “Africa is on its way to becoming a global digital laboratory.” A wise and enlightened vision that continues to guide the initiatives of our country and our continent” said Seghrouchni.
