The largest tech and African start-up fair, GITEX Africathis year welcomes a delegation of more than 100 European companies and start-ups who came to present their expertise, build partnerships with African innovation ecosystems and actively contribute to the entrepreneurial dynamics of the continent.
Among the European actors present is the European Innovation Council, an institution dedicated to the support of rupture technologies. Its pavilion illustrates this ambition with the participation of five cutting -edge technological companies operating in strategic fields such as water treatment, optimization of agricultural irrigation, or the development of data exchange solutions that are both secure and transparent. In parallel, the European Union and several of its Member States also participate in the show through national stands.
On an official visit to Gitex Africa, the European Union ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Patricia Llombart-Cussac, stressed the importance of this mobilization. She said: ” This strong presence reflects the solidity of the EU-Africa partnership in the field of innovation and research supported within the framework of European strategy ‘Global Gateway’, which aims to promote connections in key sectors of sustainable development, in particular digital transformation ».
Llombart-Cussac also recalled that “ The adoption of the Innovation Agenda African Union – European Union in July 2023 marks a major step in cooperation between the two continents, which is deployed around four key priorities: health, green transition, digital and science for society ». The year 2025 will also be marked by the celebration of the 25ᵉ anniversary of the UA-UE partnership, ” A unique, solid and fruitful partnership, mainly focused on prosperity, peace, peoples and the planet “, She added.
The European Union multiplies programs aimed at supporting African SMEs and start-ups, essential engines of growth, innovation and employment on the continent. Morocco, in particular, is distinguished by its active commitment in several European initiatives such as the Horizon Europe, Prima, or Erasmus+program, which promote the transfer of knowledge and technologies.
In terms of modernization of public administration, the EU and Morocco have set up a structuring partnership through the Islah program. With a budget of 50 million euros, this program supports the digitalization of public services for the benefit of citizens and businesses. It is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transition and the Reform of the Administration (MTNRA), the Digital Development Agency (ADD), the General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGCT) of the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG).
Finally, the European Union announces its intention to develop, with its partners, a new pact for the Mediterranean. Expected for the last quarter of 2025, this pact aims to strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and to identify new lines of cooperation beneficial to companies on the two banks. Digital will occupy a central place there.
