馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
GITEX Africa 2026 concludes in Marrakech with focus on African digital ambitions
via Le Matin3 min read
GITEX Africa 2026, held in Marrakech, concluded with discussions among international experts, public decision-makers, and technology leaders on leveraging digital transformation for Africa's sustainable development while preserving sovereignty and cultural specificities. Organized under the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, with support from the Digital Development Agency and KAOUN International, the event served as a platform for public policies, investments, and technological innovation. A central theme was artificial intelligence, viewed as a key driver for development, provided it is conceived "from the continent, for the continent." Discussions highlighted new linguistic models and AI systems capable of integrating African realities, including linguistic diversity and socio-economic contexts, to overcome biases of global models. Philipe Beaudoin emphasized that "AI sovereignty must be at the heart of national strategies," stressing the need for systems respectful of local cultures. A critical aspect discussed was data control, with calls for collective mobilization from states, businesses, and NGOs to build ecosystems for producing, exploiting, and valuing African data. Cybersecurity was another major focus, with experts advocating for a "security by design" approach, integrated from system conception. The role of Chief Information Security Officers CISOs is evolving, making them strategic actors in enterprise strategy. "Zero Trust" strategies wer
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Mr. Akhannouch, representing King Mohammed VI, offered condolences to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, following the death of his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. During an audience at Lusail Palace, Mr. Akhannouch delivered a message of condolences and sympathy from the King. The Emir of Qatar expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI and highlighted the strong personal ties and solid relations between Qatar and Morocco. The Moroccan delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and His Majesty the King's Ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Mohamed Setri. In his message, King Mohammed VI conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss and extended his sincerest condolences to His Highness, the princely family, and the Qatari people.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party PAM is preparing for the 2026 elections by strategically positioning women candidates in local constituencies. Samir Goudar, a member of PAM's political bureau and president of the Organization division, stated that the party will present six women candidates in six local constituencies. He also highlighted that three women elected in 2021 from regional lists will now run in local lists, leveraging their legislative experience from the 2021-2026 term. This move signals that regional lists are now seen as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. Key candidates include Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, PAM's national coordinator and president of the National Elections Commission, who will run in Sidi Youssef Ben Ali in Marrakech. Najwa Koukous, president of the national council, will be a candidate in Anfa, Casablanca. Bouchra Alwardi will run in Rommani, Kh茅misset province, while incumbent parliamentarian Imane Lamoui retains her candidacy for Ouarzazate. Ouiam Mhirchi was designated for Ouezzane, and Manal Badil, president of the Berrechid commune, is also among the local candidates. In parallel, PAM has reformed the process for designating candidates for regional women's lists, opening it to all female activists. An open call for applications for regional constituencies for the 2026 legislative elections was announced via the party's official electronic platform from June 22 to 28. A specialized commission will review applications and condu
The 14th congress of the Istiqlalian Youth, held under the theme "Empowerment now, towards a new social contract," focused on redefining the role, achievements, and limitations of the Istiqlal Youth organization. Nizar Baraka, Secretary General of the Istiqlal Party, urged the organization to critically assess its journey and adapt to societal changes. A national survey initiated on January 11, 2025, involving over 15,000 young people, revealed a disconnect between youth and political parties. Baraka emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating, "We do not want a youth that remains a spectator of what is happening around it. We want a youth conscious of its responsibility towards the homeland, convinced that it can change the realities it experiences in its country." The survey results informed a roadmap for the party, prioritizing access to employment, healthcare, education, training, reducing regional inequalities, developing digital and AI skills, supporting youth initiatives, and increasing youth participation in public decision-making. Baraka highlighted that Moroccan youth possess competence, patriotism, and ambition, requiring genuine opportunities to contribute. He advocated for political and institutional action as the sole path to change, urging youth to engage with parties, institutions, and public decision-making bodies. Beyond youth issues, Baraka outlined five commitments adopted by the national council: protecting family and Moroccan values, defending