The city of Marrakech will host the third edition of the African CIO Awards (ACA) on April 7–8, 2026, held alongside GITEX Africa, reinforcing its role as a key hub for the continent’s digital ecosystem.
Organized by CIO Mag, this continental event aims to recognize leaders, projects, and institutions driving digital transformation and artificial intelligence development across Africa.
A strategic platform for Africa’s digital ecosystem
More than just an awards ceremony, the African CIO Awards serve as a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration. The event brings together business leaders, public sector decision-makers, CIOs, tech startups, AI experts, investors, and specialized media.
Supported by Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and organized in partnership with GITEX Africa, the initiative highlights high-impact technological projects and promotes responsible innovation aligned with Africa’s economic and social challenges.
2026 edition: Artificial intelligence at the core of strategy
Under the theme “Strategic alignment in the age of artificial intelligence,” the 2026 edition will focus on integrating AI into organizational strategies through innovative, ethical, and sustainable solutions.
Competing projects will cover several key categories, including:
- AI for organizational performance improvement
- AI applications in strategic sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and fintech
- Ethical and responsible AI
- Cybersecurity
- Sustainability and inclusion
- Innovative AI-based products and services
International exposure for the winners
The top three winners will benefit from a fully funded learning expedition to Geneva in September 2026, organized in partnership with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This immersive experience will provide access to leading international institutions such as:
- the United Nations
- the International Telecommunication Union
- CERN
- and the World Intellectual Property Organization
The initiative aims to strengthen connections between African innovation and global networks.
Special awards and recognition of excellence
In addition to the main categories, special awards will recognize outstanding achievements, including:
- a diaspora award honoring African talent abroad
- the AI Personality of the Year award
- and a public choice award based on open online voting
A rapidly growing event
The evolution of the African CIO Awards reflects its growing impact:
- 2024: 40 applications from 8 African countries
- 2025: 42 applications from 13 countries across Africa, Europe, and America
- 2026: 56 applications from 16 countries, including startups, SMEs, NGOs, and large corporations
Participating countries include Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Marrakech strengthens its position as a digital hub
In a global context marked by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, Marrakech continues to establish itself as a strategic hub for technological debate and innovation in Africa.
The African CIO Awards are now recognized as a key platform for advancing digital transformation and fostering collaboration across the African tech ecosystem.
