A Perspective from GITEX Africa, Marrakech
Walking between the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina and the high-tech corridors of GITEX AFRICA in Marrakech is more than just a physical experience—it’s a metaphor for Africa’s AI journey: non-linear, dynamic, and deeply rooted in local realities.
As General Manager of Apodissi, Margherita Trestini had the privilege of contributing to the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Workshop titled:
“AI for Facilitating and Strengthening Research & Innovation at the Africa-Europe Interface”
Organised by the European Commission, the session was a convergence of African and European AI experts, researchers, and ecosystem builders. It was an eye-opener into how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.
Africa’s AI: Aspirations, Strategy & Grit
At the heart of the discussion was the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy—a framework that calls for:
- Inclusive governance models across all member states
- Capacity building and education to democratise access
- Infrastructure and data sovereignty
- Inclusive governance models across all member states
But strategy alone is not enough. Challenges remain deep-rooted:
- 🚫 Limited digital infrastructure in many regions
- 📶 Low internet and electricity penetration in rural communities
- 🧠 Skills gaps and lack of localized educational content
- 🧩 Fragmented innovation ecosystems with minimal coordination
- 💼 Brain drain—Africa’s brightest minds often leave due to limited opportunities
Yet, AI adoption in Africa isn’t just aspirational—it’s necessary.
Where AI Can Truly Matter in Africa
💊 Healthcare
AI solutions can dramatically improve diagnostics and early detection in underserved areas.
Dr. Hicham el Attar’s work with DataPathology in Morocco shows how AI can empower local hospitals with faster, more accurate analyses.
🏭 Industry & Jobs
From logistics to agriculture, AI offers the tools to leapfrog industrial challenges and create job-ready tech ecosystems.
Dr. Hichem Turki from NOVATION CITY in Tunisia demonstrated this through industry-led AI applications that support both startups and SMEs.
📚 Education & Digital Literacy
Africa needs localized AI learning platforms that are accessible and multilingual.
Essa Mohamedali’s Fixxies Technologies and IdeaLab Tanzania are pioneering open-source AI education, tailored to the African learner.
🌍 Governance & Services
Smart AI-enabled systems could reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and improve transparency in governance.
🤝 Apodissi & DataScientia: Human-Centric AI for Africa
Apodissi proudly introduced DataScientia, a people-first initiative developed by the Università di Trento, led by Prof. Fausto Giunchiglia, in collaboration with institutions like Durban University of Technology and Makerere AI Lab University.
Our joint mission?
To redefine data as a common good, and AI as a collaborative tool rooted in:
- Cultural identity
- Community participation
- Data ethics and sovereignty
We are empowering African students, universities, and innovators to:
✔️ Learn AI through local relevance
✔️ Build datasets that reflect African realities
✔️ Co-create AI models that serve community needs
The Road Ahead: AI Built With Africa, Not For Africa
AI in Africa cannot be a copy-paste of Western models. It must be:
- Contextual
- Culturally aware
- Driven by community needs, not corporate agendas
Our experience at GITEX Africa reaffirmed this truth: the future of AI in Africa is not about automation—it’s about inclusion.
Together, let’s pave a new path—even when no road exists yet.
