Organizers of GITEX Africa 2024 are preparing to welcome thousands of distinguished guests from the global startup and technology community at their second show on the continent, to be held in Marrakech, Morocco. The three-day summit, from May 29 to 31, follows the success of last year’s inaugural conference and exhibition, which attracted more than 35,000 participants, including 900 exhibitors from 128 countries. .
“The renewal of GITEX Africa this year reflects the encouraging dynamic in terms of technological discovery, launched last year with our inaugural edition”explains Trixie Loh-Mirmand, CEO of Kaoun International, which organizes the event. “The international community can see that Africa’s growing energy, curiosity and demand for digital progress exceed those of developed and mature continents. »
“The variety and complexity of the technologies presented at GITEX Africa, among which we obviously find AI, are designed to create a stimulating experience, which will promote knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities between the public and private sectors, as well as between companies around the world. »
In addition to the congress and stands, this edition of GITEX Africa will offer a pitch competition for startups, with a prize of $100,000. Participants will also benefit from certified training and workshops on topics such as generative AI, blockchain development or the application of data science.
The summit will also host North Star Africa startups, to highlight the best entrepreneurs and founders on the African continent.
An international meeting
Speakers already confirmed for this edition include Raz Bachar, executive director and global industry lead at Microsoft for Startups; Maelis Carraro, managing partner at Catalyst Fund; Tosin Eniolorunda, co-founder and CEO of Moniepoint; and Romanna Dada, head of venture capital at PwC Middle East.
Moroccan startups, which are advancing technologies and innovation throughout the region, will also return to GITEX Africa. We can note the presence of Maroc Data Center, Zen Networks, Dataprotect and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the official R&D partner of the show.
“We are delighted to consolidate our role with GITEX Africa, not only as an excellent R&D collaborator, but also as a model of innovation,” says Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship and venture capital at UM6P.
“Our partnership with GITEX Africa illustrates our desire to encourage progress in the fields of science, technology and investment. Our goal is to encourage and grow deeptech companies beyond the borders of Morocco and throughout Africa, through our targeted programs on entrepreneurship and venture capital. »
“For UM6P, GITEX Africa represents a unique opportunity to build strategic partnerships and present our innovative initiatives in multiple sectors such as health technologies, biotechnologies, agrochemicals and green technologies. »
A thriving ecosystem
GITEX Africa 2024 allows participants to connect with like-minded professionals, in sectors ranging from cloud and IoT to cybersecurity, digital health, future finance, consumer technology, telecommunications and AI. Enough to make it an event that European startups would benefit from including in their calendar.
For visitors, this summit offers the opportunity to meet potential investors, learn from prominent speakers in their sectors, and meet the latest emerging talents in the startup ecosystem.
Despite a global slowdown in venture capital, African tech startups raised a total of $6.5 billion in 2022, up 8% from the previous year.
In an interview with Maddyness UK last year, London-based venture capital firm Breega, which is committed to supporting African startups, said Africa’s tech ecosystem in 2023 was comparable to that of Africa. Europe in the early 2010s, and that the region’s expected GDP growth would lead to future investments in technologies, making the continent highly attractive to international investors.
“Africa has been our main focus: it is the new emerging continent for digital workforce and transformation”explique Thomas Pramotedham, PDG de Presight.
“Presight operates on multiple digital transformation programs in coordination with several African governments. In 2024, we want to contribute even more to the continent’s thriving technological ecosystem. Our goal is to make a positive societal impact using our big data analytics capabilities powered by generative AI. »
“As GITEX Africa plays a key role, we are excited to participate in the discussions shaping the continent’s digital transformation journey. »
Bertrand Trastour, general manager for France, North Africa, Central Africa and West Africa at cybersecurity company Kaspersky, will also be present.
“GITEX Africa is an important platform for Kaspersky, because it allows us to communicate our growth strategy and our potential to our customers and partners”he emphasizes. “Digitalization is a top priority for African markets, and cybersecurity is the foundation for successful transformation. »
GITEX Africa 2024 will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, between May 29 and 31. Click ici to know more.
