Casablanca – The 6th edition of the African Digital Summit kicked off in Casablanca on Tuesday, bringing together prominent figures and key players in the digital and technology sectors from across Africa. Organized by the Groupement des Annonceurs du Maroc (GAM), this year’s summit shines a spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing its transformative power in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The two-day event offers a platform for industry leaders, experts, startups, and decision-makers to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and explore both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI. The summit aims to strengthen cooperation among African nations and position Morocco as a leading digital hub on the continent.

Artificial Intelligence as the central theme

Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of discussions, chosen as the main focus for this year’s edition due to its growing influence on various sectors, from public services to business innovation. Ghita Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, emphasized that the national strategy “Digital Morocco 2030” is centered on leveraging AI to enhance public services, promote the growth of startups, and attract international tech companies.

“The goal is to position Morocco as a digital leader in Africa,” Mezzour stated, noting that AI is key to driving economic development and enabling more efficient governance. She highlighted the importance of nurturing local talent, as the country aims to increase the number of graduates in digital fields from 8,000 to 22,500 annually by 2027. Significant strides have already been made, with the 2023-2024 academic year seeing the accreditation of 144 new programs in fields such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity, spread across 12 public universities in the kingdom.

The role of startups and innovation

Startups play a vital role in driving digital transformation, and the summit provides a dedicated space for these young companies to connect with investors, decision-makers, and global tech leaders. By fostering innovation and linking supply and demand, the summit creates opportunities for African startups to thrive in the competitive global market.

“Startups are essential to the future of digital innovation in Africa,” said Mezzour, stressing the need to invest in their development. She pointed out that seven of the world’s largest tech companies began as startups, underscoring the potential for growth within the African tech ecosystem.

Focusing on the next generation

Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, stressed the importance of preparing the upcoming “Generation Alpha” for a digital future. Born into a world where technology is ubiquitous, this generation is expected to shape the workforce of tomorrow.

Miraoui called for a complete overhaul of traditional education models, integrating digital skills into all academic programs—from geography to engineering. The minister announced the ministry’s plans to introduce digital skills training across all universities and specialized institutions, aiming to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the fast-changing labor market.

He also highlighted the revolutionary impact of AI and other digital tools in fields such as medicine, where telemedicine and AI-assisted consultations are already transforming healthcare.

Casablanca as a digital hub for Africa

Youssef Cheikhi, President of GAM, underscored Morocco’s role as a central player in Africa’s digital transformation. With its advanced digital infrastructure and automated measurement systems, the country is well-positioned to become a hub for innovation and exchange within the continent.

As the summit coincides with GAM’s 40th anniversary, Cheikhi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting companies and institutions in fully harnessing the potential of digital technologies. He emphasized that AI and other emerging technologies offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation, not only in Morocco but across Africa.

Looking ahead

Over two days, the African Digital Summit featured a range of discussions and interactive sessions that tackled key topics, including the influence of AI on digital marketing, emerging technological trends, and the obstacles posed by digital transformation. Industry experts delved into the pivotal role AI will play in shaping Africa’s future and explored how nations across the continent can collaborate to build a digitally empowered and sustainable economy. With its ambitious agenda and strong emphasis on innovation, this year’s summit set the stage for Africa’s digital advancement, underscoring the continent’s potential to take a leading role in the global tech revolution.