Africa's development as an emerging international force in digital transformation, together with the prospects for Artificial Intelligence (AI), will take centre stage when GITEX Africa launches in Morocco next week.

The second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, scheduled for May 29-31, 2024 in Marrakech, will bring together global leaders and experts, governments, enterprises, big tech, start-ups, investors, and academics from 130 countries.

The tech and start-ups summit intends to accelerate relationships and advance the continent's future objectives of boosting entrepreneurial innovation economy.

The event is organised by KAOUN International, the foreign affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which also hosts GITEX GLOBAL in the UAE.

This year's focus is on the AI phenomenon and its ability to disrupt a wide range of industries, including cybersecurity, cloud and IoT, banking, telecoms, agriculture, and education.

The event organisers stated that around 700 global start-ups from 45 countries will exhibit.

Morocco's minister of digital transition and administration reform, Dr Ghita Mezzour, stated that the second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco is part of the country's digital transition efforts.

Mezzour emphasised the necessity of utilising the immense development prospects that digital transition brings for African countries.

" This edition will further consolidate Morocco's position as a regional digital hub, thus creating an environment conducive to attracting more investments and stimulating job creation,“ Mezzour stated.

He  said he potential for AI and its ability to overcome conventional hurdles to economic development in Africa will dominate discussions at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024.

According to tech leaders, the AI revolution will add S$1.2 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, increasing its GDP by 5.6 percent.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, stated, "The recent developments in AI have created new opportunities and impetus for Africa in its digital transformation mission."