Morocco Debuts Africa's First Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Expo

Morocco is stepping into the global spotlight as Africa's new hub for next-generation manufacturing, and it's happening right now in Casablanca.

The World Advanced Manufacturing & Future Mobility Exhibition opened this week as the continent's first major platform dedicated to Industry 4.0, the smart manufacturing revolution that's reshaping how the world builds everything. Over 100 companies from 18 countries descended on Morocco's economic capital to forge partnerships that could accelerate Africa's industrial future.

This isn't a small gathering. Global giants like Schneider Electric, SAP, Hitachi, and Rockwell Automation are sitting down with African innovators, government leaders, and investors managing over $50 billion in combined assets. The event attracted participants from Morocco, Nigeria, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Austria, and even Vietnam and Hong Kong.

"Morocco is emerging as a place where this transformation can accelerate at scale," a Schneider Electric spokesperson said. The energy technology company sees Morocco as a testing ground for the factories of tomorrow.

Three full days of programming tackle the biggest questions facing African industry: How can the continent build its own data centers? What does green manufacturing look like at African scale? How do we move freight and goods in smarter, cleaner ways?

The speaker list reads like a who's who of global industrial leadership. Dr. Mehdi Snène, the United Nations' Chief AI Officer, shared the stage with Nigeria's tech chief and Morocco's former Minister of Digital Transition. Several international executives made their first-ever speaking appearances in Morocco, signaling the country's rising importance.

The Ripple Effect

The real excitement might be happening in the startup corner. African entrepreneurs are pitching breakthrough manufacturing ideas in the Supernova Challenge, competing for $10,000 and the chance to connect directly with the investors in the room. India brought an entire country pavilion to fast-track collaboration with African innovators.

This exhibition didn't happen in isolation. It's powered by the same ecosystem behind GITEX Africa, one of the world's most influential technology platforms. That backing positions Morocco not just as a participant in the Industry 4.0 revolution, but as a continental leader shaping how Africa manufactures, moves goods, and builds economic sovereignty.

The timing matters too. As global supply chains reconfigure and countries seek reliable manufacturing partners, Morocco is making its pitch with infrastructure, talent, and now a gathering place for the world's industrial innovators to meet Africa's rising ambition.

Africa's industrial future is being written this week in Casablanca, one partnership at a time.