GITEX Africa Shifts Focus from Attendance to Tangible Results

As the annual event kicks off its fourth year, GITEX Africa is evolving beyond a mere showcase of innovation. The emphasis now centers on partnerships, deal-making, and real-world applications that benefit African markets.

The conference, held in Morocco with ambitions to make it a regional tech investment hub, has seen a noticeable shift from introductory pitches to concrete outcomes. Where once organizers focused on attracting participants, the conversation is turning towards what attendees actually achieve through their participation.

“GITEX Africa Morocco has become far more than an annual exhibition,” stated Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government, Kingdom of Morocco, during the opening ceremony. “It’s a platform for building partnerships and creating opportunities.” This sentiment aligns with remarks from Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director-General of Morocco’s Digital Development Agency, who noted that GITEX is transforming into a channel for digital inclusion across Africa.

Real Business Outcomes

Returning startups are already reporting tangible benefits. Abdoul Zakari, cofounder of Niger-based fintech Sako, secured deals at last year’s event that generated revenue in 2024. He’s back this year seeking similar results for his cross-border payment solution targeting Francophone Africa.

“There is a lot of trade between Nigeria and Niger, but payments are still complicated,” Zakari explained. His startup aims to bridge this gap by enabling mobile money transfers into Nigerian bank accounts - addressing a key challenge given that only 15% of people in Niger have formal bank accounts (according to World Bank data).

Amsa, founder of Senegalese transit payment startup Kaycber, echoed this sentiment. After connecting with potential partners at last year’s event, he’s now seeing those relationships materialize into tangible opportunities.

Nigeria’s Changing Role

One notable change is the absence of a dedicated Nigerian pavilion - a contrast to previous years when Nigeria had a prominent presence. While the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) still sponsors startups, they now cover only exhibition booth costs rather than full travel expenses.

According to NITDA director Aristole Onumo, this shift encourages greater commitment from participating companies and ensures that attendance translates into meaningful engagement rather than mere visibility.

“We want startups to show that their commitments too,” Onumo explained. The agency now prioritizes those willing to invest in their own participation, signaling a move towards more accountable outcomes from national representation.