ICCD's Participation at GITEX Africa
Paving the way for a brighter future powered by technology and innovation, ICCD participated as a media partner in the world’s premier tech event “GITEX Africa”, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI from May 31 to June 2, 2023, in Marrakesh, Morocco, pioneering the next era of technological innovations and propelling economic growth across the region.
Bringing the universe to Africa, GITEX Africa witnessed a high-level governmental presence from over 80 countries, along with a diverse range of tech leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs who exchanged their insightful visions and delved into the most advanced and innovative solutions and tactics, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s tech industry.
With a fruitful dialogue among global ministers, the inaugural session of GITEX Africa, entitled “Uniting Towards One African Market”, addressed the obstacles to constructing a secure, digital, and sustainable future for Africa as well as highlighted the pressing concerns confronting the African tech industry.
Affirming the role of governments in driving digital transformation forward, H.E. Dr. Ghita Mezour, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration, Morocco, pointed out that the Moroccan government works closely with African nations to establish sustainable investments in areas of technology across the region.
Given the crucial role of digital transformation in advancing nations, H.E. Dr. DÉSIRÉ-CASHMIR KOLONELE EBERANDE, Minister of Digital Transformation, Democratic Republic of Congo, asserted that digitalization is not a matter of choice but a responsibility that must be fulfilled, indicating that in the Democratic Republic of Congo, digitalization is perceived as a crucial factor that fosters inclusivity throughout the entire continent.
In this context, H.E. Dr. Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology in the Republic of Ethiopia, pointed out, during his fruitful participation in the panel discussion entitled “State of Play in Africa’s Digital Economy Today”, the Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2025, which connects over half of the population to the internet and mobile applications, which is a remarkable achievement in expanding access to digital resources.
Furthermore, H.E. Mr. Ousman B., Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, The Gambia, highlighted that the ministry is working closely with the government to put into action the “2020-2024 and 2018-2028” strategic plans for digital transformation in The Gambia.
Striving to overcome the challenges faced to develop a strong digital system in Africa, H.E. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Uganda, acknowledged the advancements made in the field but also acknowledged the challenges that still persist, particularly in commercial protocols, highlighting the dire need for a payment system in Africa while the required logistical tools are currently unavailable.
Exploring the boundless potential of generative artificial intelligence, H.E. Mr. Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, delivered a keynote speech entitled “Dilemma of Governments in the Regulation of Generative AI”, where he tackled the intricate matters surrounding the regulations of generative AI, pointing out the hurdles and possibilities encountered by governments all over the world.
Recognizing the significance of digitalization in today’s rapidly evolving world, Mr. Tonny Bao, Vice President of Huawei, highlighted, during his keynote speech entitled “Unleashing Digital for New Africa,” Huawei’s dedication to advancing digital innovation in Africa, highlighting the necessary measures that should be taken for achieving sustainable digitization, including: constructing a robust infrastructure, accelerating digitalization across all sectors, and establishing well-connected information systems.
In this connection, H.E. Dr. Belete Molla, Minister of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, highlighted the significance of nurturing digital competencies and talents to meet the requirements of the digital economy, while Mr. Ali Seddiki, General Director of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), stressed the importance of encouraging investment in education, underlining that AMDIE collaborates closely with various sectors to optimize the utilization of Moroccan talent.
In an effort to foster digitalization across Africa, H.E. Lacina Koné, Director General of Smart Africa, indicated that while Africa is rich in opportunities and potential, there is a need for proper planning and governance, outlining 4 initiatives launched by his country to achieve this goal, namely: the “Group Purchase” initiative for ensuring long-term affordability of prices for everyone; the “Developed Program” for promoting digital transformation and shifting mindsets; the “Transformation Program” designed to support digital companies and their transformation; and the “Innovation Program” for boosting digital efforts and positioning Africa as a leader in global digital transformation.
In an effort to explore the needed cutting-edge technologies to ensure that various cities have access to the necessary resources for thriving in the digital age, the Digital Cities Session was held on the 2nd day of GITEX Africa, where numerous officials tackled the digital situation in their cities, exploring the best ways to cope with the growing technological development and promote digitalization in their cities.
The potential of AI to stimulate socioeconomic growth in Africa has seen a substantial increase. In this regard, the 3rd day of GITEX Africa witnessed the launch of “The African Responsible AI Charter”, to promote innovative solutions for the key challenges encountered in the healthcare, education, financial services, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors.
As part of the fruitful AI discussions, Dr. Adel Alsharji, COO of PresightAI, discussed the societal impact of AI and how to utilize its vast potential for development and growth, highlighting his company’s involvement in developing AI to combat financial fraud and money laundering as well as improve the energy and healthcare sectors. He also pointed out the “You Ask” platform, launched by the company, to allow UAE citizens to inquire about all government services and conduct electronic payment transactions.
In the midst of GITIX Africa’s productive program, a number of side events took place, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry. These events included “Fintech,” which examined how technology is transforming the financial sector; “Elevate,” which discussed the influence of innovation on business development; and “YouthX,” which provided valuable perspectives on the latest trends and emerging technologies that are transforming the world into a better place.
Moreover, a huge exhibition was held on the sidelines of the mega event to feature the latest and most innovative technologies and products presented by tech pioneers and inventors from across the world, showcasing how innovation is changing the digital game in Africa.
Planting the entrepreneurial seeds for shaping a flourishing tomorrow, GITEX Africa included the Supernova Challenge, offering a total cash prize of $100.000 to five category winners in cybersecurity, AI and digital cities, fintech, sustainability, technology, and agritech. Health tech, sustainability, tech, agritech, and a $50,000 prize for GITEX Africa Supernova Champion “Proxgy” was worthy of winning the championship for their innovation skills.
Collaborating for a better future, many agreements were signed on the sidelines of GITEX Africa, such as the MOU between Smart Africa, represented by its Director General, Mr. Lacina Koné, and Institut Superieur des Sciences de l’Ingenieur (ISSI), represented by its Director General, Mr. Lahlou Abdelazizto, aiming to empower African youth and enable them to drive digital transformation.
Moreover, Elm, Leading Digital Solutions Company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Digital Development Agency in Morocco, aiming to enhance their cooperation in the digital sphere, through exchanging knowledge and techniques, organizing joint workshops involving relevant organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in digitalization, establishing new digital platforms, and providing various institutions with consultations and management services, contributing to the advancement of digital transformation across nations.
Another MoU was signed on the sidelines of GITEX Africa between Elm and the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts, and Telecommunications of the Central African Republic, with a view to foster potential commercial prospects and propel the nation’s digital transformation.
Collaborating to fuel creativity and transform the digital payment industry, Mastercard and NAPS signed a partnership agreement, in order to strengthen their cooperation in various digital spheres, contributing to the advancement and evolution of digital transformation worldwide.
ICCD’s participation in GITEX Africa comes as a manifestation of its unwavering commitment to advance digitalization and propel economic development across OIC member countries and is in line with its relentless pursuit of collaborating with diverse entities to serve the interests of the entire Islamic world.
In this regard, ICCD intends to forge ahead with its tireless endeavors to advance digital transformation and sustainable development across the Islamic countries. It also reiterates its dedication to collaborating with relevant institutions to lay the groundwork for the prosperous global economic future.
Forging new pathways towards a digital future, an MoU was signed between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and MITSUMI Distribution, marking the beginning of an exciting journey towards innovation and digital progress across the African continent.
About ICCD:
Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development is an international institution affiliated of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It represents the private sector of 57 member countries of OIC, as well as observer members and other associate members from Muslim minorities. ICCD aims at strengthening cooperation among its member states in the areas of trade, Industry, and information technology, and promoting Investment opportunities and joint- projects among member states. Its membership consists of national chambers, unions, councils of chambers of commerce and industry in OIC member states.
ICCD was established based on the decision of the Seventh Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, which took place In May, 1976 in Istanbul, Turkey. And was adopted by the first conference of chambers of commerce and industry in the Islamic world countries, which also held in Istanbul, Turkey in Oct., 1977.
Later, the constitution of ICCD was passed by the second conference of chambers of commerce and Industry in Islamic world countries, which held in Dec., 1978 in Karachi. Its headquarters in Karachi, the economic capital of the Republic of Pakistan.
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