As AI is rapidly harnessed in Africa, U.S. tech leaders stressed that digital systems must be built on security, sovereignty and transparency during a roundtable discussion inGITEX AFRICA.

Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion, participated on April 8 in a roundtable “Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies” at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco. GITEX AFRICA is the largest tech and startup event in Africa.

The panel brought together technology executives from U.S. companies to examine what artificial intelligence means for Africa today and tomorrow. Gretchen E. Krantz Evans, country manager for the Middle East and North Africa at the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), moderated the panel.

Dr Wandji highlighted that cybersecurity is the foundation of trust in new technologies, especially as African countries digitize public services and expand access to online platforms.

“At its core, trust starts with security,” he said. “Cybersecurity is no longer considered a luxury, it is a necessity. »

African governments are increasingly prioritizing secure digital ecosystems when deploying e-government services such as digital payments, e-tax systems and national digital identification platforms. Without strong cybersecurity measures, these systems risk undermining public trust and slowing adoption.

Trust is also closely linked to data sovereignty, where countries seek to maintain greater control over their data and digital infrastructure, Dr Wandji said.

American companies are playing a growing role in bringing advanced technologies and expertise to Africa. “When you combine American innovation with African leadership and local expertise, you create solutions that are powerful, locally relevant and sustainable,” Wandji said.