Casablanca – The second day of the African Digital Summit 2024 showcased Africa’s commitment to leveraging technology for transformative growth. Thought leaders and innovators gathered in Casablanca to share insights and strategies aimed at redefining the continent’s digital landscape.
Opening the day’s discussions, Amine Raihani, Business Partnerships Manager for North Africa at TikTok, stressed the power of storytelling in shaping consumer behavior. He highlighted the success of brands like Marjane and L’Oréal in building communities and driving influence, encouraging brands to use platforms like TikTok to tap into cultural movements and create meaningful connections with consumers.
A pivotal session led by Angelos Galanakis, Regional Head of Agencies at Google, emphasized AI’s crucial role in shaping digital ecosystems. He noted that 15% of Google searches are new every day, illustrating the dynamic nature of user needs. Galanakis explained how AI helps businesses across Africa respond more effectively, providing personalized and efficient solutions.
Maureen Khoury, Senior Business Applications Strategy Manager at Microsoft, addressed the challenges of employee retention, particularly in Africa’s evolving job market. She urged businesses to leverage technology not only to enhance customer journeys but also to build internal cultures that attract and retain top talent, reducing turnover costs.
In a session focused on media transformation, Bissan Kairat, Marketing and TV Program Director at Al Aoula, stressed the importance of long-term investment in innovation. She explained how a strategy implemented over 15 years has helped amplify Moroccan identity on global platforms, with an emphasis on recruiting young talent to keep pace with the digital evolution.
The summit also introduced the African Digital Awards, transitioning from a Moroccan-focused event to a pan-African celebration of technological excellence. The awards aim to recognize individuals and organizations driving innovation across the continent’s digital ecosystem.
The day’s discussions reinforced the African Digital Summit’s vision to be a catalyst for change, inspiring participants to become active architects of technological transformations in their communities. Organizers of the summit emphasized the importance of turning visionary concepts into actionable realities through collaboration and innovation, addressing the unique challenges Africa faces today.
As the summit progresses, its goal remains clear: to unlock Africa’s vast potential through creativity, technology, and digital collaboration.
