GITEX Africa continues in full swing in Marrakesh, Morocco, where various countries and companies are showcasing their digital transformation efforts.
One of the highlights came from Mehdi Kettani, CEO of DXC CDG, who praised Morocco’s excellent management of the event. In an interview with MAP, Kettani stated,
“Morocco is increasingly emerging as a destination for IT outsourcing services, particularly for international markets.”
He also emphasized the excellence of Moroccan talent, highlighting that the company supports transformation processes through digital infrastructure services—including data centers, cybersecurity, cloud, servers, and storage—as well as tailored business applications.
DXC CDG has established an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence aimed at industrializing AI for both businesses and citizens. The center is positioned as a key player in accelerating Morocco’s digital transformation.
To boost talent development, the company is also leading a strategic initiative known as the Jobintech program, developed in collaboration with the Morocco Digital Cluster.
The goal is to unlock the potential of the Moroccan IT sector and help integrate 1,000 individuals into tech jobs within two years, ultimately contributing to the creation of 800 new employment opportunities.
NIGERIA AIMS TO LEAD IN AI AND CYBERSECURITY
Another standout moment at GITEX Africa was the speech delivered by Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Inuwa highlighted how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are set to shape Nigeria’s future, stating,
“AI is changing the skills we value and how we perform our daily jobs.”
He added that in order to drive strategic leadership, one must become an AI-driven leader, finding ways to leverage AI as a tool to merge human capability with computational power in pursuit of a clear vision.
Although such an approach may seem ambitious for a country still grappling with limited broadband access and underdeveloped digital infrastructure, NITDA is taking a forward-thinking stance.
Nigeria is actively attracting foreign investment in the digital space, with Google recently investing ₦2.8 billion to support AI development in the country.
Inuwa emphasized the urgency of this opportunity by saying, “We missed the first, second, and third industrial revolutions, but we must lead the fourth—not just follow.”
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN CYBER RESILIENCE
As part of efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities, Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SecDojo SAS, a France-based company specializing in cybersecurity education and development. T
his agreement focuses on targeted capacity-building initiatives to help position Nigeria’s young population as a global resource for cybersecurity services.
“There is a global skills gap, and if properly harnessed, our young population can be trained and connected to the global value chain,” said Inuwa.
He also stressed the need to embed these essential skills into Nigeria’s national education framework, citing Cisco’s academic integration model as a potential example for Nigerian universities to follow.
CONCLUSION: GITEX AFRICA SETS THE STAGE FOR CONTINENT-WIDE TECH ADVANCEMENT
GITEX Africa is fast becoming a pivotal platform where African nations like Morocco and Nigeria showcase their ambitions and concrete steps toward digital transformation.
With key initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and youth employment, these countries are setting the pace for a more competitive and connected Africa.
The event reflects a broader continental vision—one in which Africa is no longer a passive participant in technological progress but an active, innovative leader.