Marrakesh, Morocco: India made a strong impression at GITEX Africa 2025, the continent’s largest tech and startup show, which recently concluded in Marrakesh. The three-day event brought together global policymakers, industry leaders, and changemakers to discuss opportunities for collaboration and inclusive economic growth through technology.
Representing the Republic of India at the summit was Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education. The Minister participated in a series of high-level discussions, bilateral meetings, and interactive sessions with Indian startups that were showcasing their innovations on the international platform.
During his address, Jayant Chaudhary highlighted India’s achievements in building transformative Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), citing key platforms such as Aadhaar for digital identity, UPI for digital payments, ONDC for e-commerce, and advancements in digital healthcare. He noted that these systems are playing a crucial role in making governance and services more accessible and efficient, especially for underserved communities.
He also emphasized that India is actively integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital infrastructure into its skilling ecosystem. He shared that the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), India’s flagship DPI for skilling, has already onboarded more than one crore users in just over a year and a half, offering vast opportunities for capacity-building and employment. These digital solutions, he said, are areas rich with potential for collaboration with African partners.
Chaudhary added that India, with its strong open-source digital infrastructure and a high pace of digitalization, is well-positioned to support other developing nations seeking to build similar systems. He referred to the AI Stanford Index 2025, which recorded a 33.39 percent year-on-year growth in AI talent hiring in India, underscoring the country’s emergence as a global hub for AI professionals.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Minister held several bilateral meetings with Moroccan ministers, including those in charge of digital transition, higher education, economic inclusion, and national education. These meetings focused on exploring partnerships in artificial intelligence, research and innovation, and sharing insights on how digital public infrastructure can drive inclusive and equitable growth.
India’s participation at GITEX Africa 2025 reaffirmed its global leadership in digital innovation and skilling. Initiatives such as Skill India, Digital India, Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, SIDH, and DIKSHA have demonstrated how scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven models can empower citizens and serve as global best practices. As developing nations look for sustainable pathways to progress, India’s experience in building resilient, citizen-centric digital ecosystems stands out as a model of success.
