Latest news with #GITEXAFRICA
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GITEX AFRICA Morocco's third edition opens to the continent's largest gathering of globally influential tech leaders, government officials and innovators
GITEX AFRICA Morocco ( the continent's largest tech and startup show today opened its doors to the biggest players across the local, regional and international digital landscapes, turning the city of Marrakech into an epicentre of advanced technology, talent, and transformation. Running until 16 April, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the authority of the Kingdom's Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Digital Development Agency (ADD), and organised by KAOUN International – the overseas event agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of GITEX events globally. Her Excellency, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco opened the show's inauguration ceremony to welcome participants from over 130 countries, 1,450 exhibitors, 350 global investors, and 650 conference speakers. The opening address was delivered as part of the inauguration panel session made up from key dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, Government of the United Arab Emirates, and Mr. Chakib Alj, the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). Her Excellency, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, said: ' GITEX AFRICA affirms the growing importance of the digital economy, which represents today 15% of global GDP, or some $6.5 trillion. Aware of the challenges of this digital revolution, the Kingdom of Morocco is actively committed to building a future where digitalization, and through it AI, constitutes a lever for progress, for the benefit of all. It is in this sense that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, affirmed in his speech to the Extraordinary Summit of heads of state and government of the African Union in Kigali, in March 2018: 'Africa is on its way to becoming a global digital laboratory.' A wise and enlightened vision that continues to guide the initiatives of our country and our continent.' Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said: 'This international event, organised under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI may God Assist Him, has become one of the most prominent digital and technological gatherings on the African and international levels. It is no longer just an occasion to showcase the latest innovations, but has become a strategic place to strengthen digital inclusion between African countries, to build bridges of cooperation with our international partners, and to accelerate the pace of sustainable digital transformation. This reflects our firm ambition and strong commitment to achieve an inclusive digital transition and to establishing a new digital culture that prioritises the advancement of administration, entrepreneurial fabric, and society, as well as to build of a developed and competitive digital economy.' Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, KAOUN International, said: ' As we enter the third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, there is a strong sense of momentum and purpose. This event has evolved into a powerful platform driving Africa's digital future and, with AI at the forefront of global innovation, Morocco is positioning itself as a hub for an incredible transformation across the continent. This is backed by ambitious national strategies, a vibrant ecosystem of startups, and growing international partnerships. GITEX AFRICA Morocco serves not just as a showcase agenda-defining tech, but also as a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and scaling, connecting African innovators and talent with global markets and empowering the next generation to build, revolutionise, and lead the AI economy.' This year GITEX AFRICA Morocco is primed to forge new partnerships and explore new industries, thereby elevating its influence and impact on Africa's digital landscape even further. The 2025 edition presents an expanded agenda and representation from new countries from the African, European and Asian continents including, Belgium, Gabon, Niger, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Zambia. In addition to the show's traditional focus on AI, cybersecurity, and telecoms the event will also cover energy transition, mobility, edutech, sports technologies, and agritech. GITEX AFRICA Morocco returns for its third year with support from institutional partners: ANRT, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF, OCP, ONDA, AMDIE, ONMT and CGEM. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa. Digital Press Kit: Click here ( Media Contact: Sean Muir, Director – PR Tel.: + 971 58 597 2697 PR Media: Sami Saber – Media relations director Tel.: + 212 66 139 9976 On social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: YouTube: Website: Hashtag: #GITEXAFRICA About KAOUN International: KAOUN International is the independent events company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) established to organize and manage events internationally. Derived from the Arabic word 'universe', KAOUN International's mission is to 'Create Limitless Connections' for the industries and markets in which it operates. Created to leverage the 40-year legacy of DWTC's events management business and drive future MICE sector opportunity in the MENASA region. KAOUN International delivers game-changing live experiences that build robust business connections, create opportunity, and stimulate economic growth, building on DWTC's extensive portfolio of business and consumer events spanning multiple sectors, including technology, food and hospitality, sustainability, broadcast and satellite, automotive, talent development and leisure marine.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Morocco sets the stage for Africa's digital future ahead of continental launchpad event for innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital leadership in Marrakech
Morocco will once again play a pivotal role in shaping Africa's digital landscape. As the country continues to develop as a tech-driven hub, it has become a regional reference for the continent's recognition as global force in technology – with innovation and AI at its core. That was the message delivered by a panel of speakers during the GITEX AFRICA Morocco press conference in Rabat, ahead of the continent's largest tech and startup event opening in Marrakech from 14-16 April 2025. With a focus on powering Africa's innovation-driven future, the event is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the authority of the Kingdom's Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Digital Development Agency (ADD), and organised by KAOUN International – the overseas event agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of GITEX events globally. Mrs Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, said: 'Morocco's choice to host this major continental event, which is an annual showcase allowing the world to discover Africa's digital and technological talents and potential, is the result of rigorous and sustained work aimed at making our country a regional digital hub. It is also part of the implementation of the High Royal Guidelines of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, who called for the training of qualified skills in the various digital fields, the anchoring of a culture of responsible digitalisation within society and the development of technological infrastructures capable to keep abreast of rapid changes in the sector should be developed.' Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said: 'GITEX Africa Morocco has become a major annual milestone on the global tech agenda and a defining moment in the continent's digital transformation. It seamlessly blends innovation, investment, research, and institutional collaboration, making it much more than a simple technology exhibition. It reflects the vision of a continent that no longer settles for consuming technology but is determined to create it—one that doesn't just keep pace with innovation but plays an active role in steering its course.' Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, KAOUN International, said: ' This third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco shall usher the African economies into the epoch of Ai evolution. Great opportunities for businesses and societies ensue, but first with the collective commitment to develop capacity for the transition. GITEX AFRICA will converge in Morocco global ecosystem experts and enablers to empower and inspire stakeholders in their mission.' While GITEX AFRICA Morocco is set to welcome more than 45,000 visitors and participants from over 130 countries, the show has grown to feature over 1,450 exhibitors with new countries represented within the African continent – from Gabon, Niger, and Zambia – as well as markets across Europe and Asia – including Belgium, Switzerland and Uzbekistan. Fuelling Africa's startup ecosystem As funding for African startups rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, exceeding $2 billion, international startup investing powerhouses have turned their attention to Africa's startup ecosystem. The European Innovation Council (EIC) – Europe's largest deep-tech investor – will attend GITEX AFRICA Morocco across its conference and workshop tracks, while the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will host 10 standout African startups as part of its SheWins Africa programme on the show floor. Bolstering EIC and IFH's attendance across 1,500 facilitated meetings is a contingency of more than 350 investors from 35 countries ready to meet entrepreneurs and enterprises head on to satisfy the demand for sustainable and viable tech solutions. With over $200 billion assets under management, investors from the likes of AFRICINVEST, techstars, and Ventures Platform are ready to fund Africa's next big idea. African and international startups will come into focus across a number of show features, including an onstage interview with Awa Gueye from Africa's billion dollar start up, Wave Mobile Money; the Supernova Challenge – Africa's largest early-stage startup competition – set to supercharge new companies with an seasoned judging panel; the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in partnerships with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) will boost the globalisation of Moroccan startups through Morocco 200; and GITEX AFRICA Morocco's startup showcase, serving as a bridging point between visitors, innovators and disruptors. International tech giants debut at GITEX AFRICA's third edition International tech organisations will also make a debut at the show, looking to seize on growth opportunities during the three days, forging new partnerships and showcasing their latest tech innovations. These include tech giants Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, China Mobile and Salesforce. Further afield, Saudi Made – a celebration of the of the Kingdom's technical innovation, creative talent and business acumen, and Presight, part of the G42 group, the leading big data analytics company powered by AI – represent a strong Middle East presence. Building on the resounding success of previous editions, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is primed to forge new partnerships and explore new industries, thereby elevating its influence and impact on Africa's digital landscape even further. The 2025 edition presents an expanded agenda beyond its traditional focus on AI, cybersecurity, telecoms to cover, energy transition, mobility, edutech, sports technologies, and agritech. GITEX AFRICA Morocco returns for its third year with support from institutional partners: ANRT, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF, OCP, ONDA, AMDIE, ONMT and CGEM. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa. Digital Press Kit: Click here ( Media Contact: Sean Muir, Director – PR Tel.: + 971 58 597 2697 PR Media: Sami Saber – Media relations director Tel.: + 212 66 139 9976 On social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: YouTube: Website: Hashtag: #GITEXAFRICA About KAOUN International: KAOUN International is the independent events company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) established to organize and manage events internationally. Derived from the Arabic word 'universe', KAOUN International's mission is to 'Create Limitless Connections' for the industries and markets in which it operates. Created to leverage the 40-year legacy of DWTC's events management business and drive future MICE sector opportunity in the MENASA region. KAOUN International delivers game-changing live experiences that build robust business connections, create opportunity, and stimulate economic growth, building on DWTC's extensive portfolio of business and consumer events spanning multiple sectors, including technology, food and hospitality, sustainability, broadcast and satellite, automotive, talent development and leisure marine.
Morocco World
28-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
GITEX Africa 2025: Navigating Africa's Fintech Future
Africa's financial landscape is changing fast, with new technology and innovative financial solutions transforming how the continent's people bank, spend, and save. Fintech has continued to drive growth in the continent's tech ecosystem. In fact, in 2024 alone, it secured a groundbreaking $1.4 billion — equivalent to 60% of total equity funding. The 2025 edition of GITEX Africa returns this year, providing new opportunities to explore the continent's finance revolution. The Future of Finance Summit is set to bring together industry leaders, government officials, and innovators to discuss these changes at the GITEX AFRICA from April 14-16. The event aims to shed more light on Africa's emergence in fintech, discuss strategies for financial inclusion, and set the stage for the future of global finance. Africa has made strides in moving from the hurdle of traditional banking with mobile money to skyrocketing fintech growth, thus transforming its finance landscape. The importance of Fintech on the continent is growing with a 20% surge in mobile money and a whopping $2.7 billion in investments in just 24 months, as well as emerging blockchain in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. Traditional banks and fintech collaborative reform Given the current technological transformation across Africa, it could be time for traditional banks and fintech companies to join forces to advance the future of digital finance in the continent. Although they have competed in the past, new opportunities for partnerships continue to emerge. Merging traditional banks with state-of-the-art fintech is likely the key to bringing financial services to more people across Africa Nowadays, banks need interoperability to ensure that data flows easily and securely between data providers, often banks and credit unions, and third-party data recipients. This task is made easy through the use of fintech. For a customer to easily send funds to a foreign bank account, interoperability renders this process much easier for both the consumers engaging in these transactions and the banks and fintechs that initiate them. Banks and fintech solutions could work on building products and collaborating with the ecosystem in a way that leads to seamless consumer experiences when connecting accounts from one bank or fintech entity to another, even if the other entity is a competitor. A key question lingers — how does one make this last for the long-term? Here we talk about the sustainable financing process of taking environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into account when making investment decisions in the financial sector, leading to more long-term investments in sustainable economic activities and projects. GITEX Africa's Future of Finance Summit this year will provide a platform for all of these actors to discuss how to work together to create systems to improve customer experience, using data to create personalized financial services These discussions, speakers, and panels are also set to discuss responsible banking through environmental and social standards, modernizing banking systems with artificial intelligence, finding investment opportunities for fintech growth, creating rules that protect consumers while encouraging innovation, and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prevent fraud and protect customers. The future of African banking Africa's banking sector is undergoing a tremendous shift with greater use of new technologies, especially with the emergence of AI. Digital technology has been particularly useful in finance, with improved advancements in connectivity and network development, leading to the proliferation of novel forms of digital money and other banking technology. The incorporation of emerging technologies in Africa's finance scene can help boost performance and put the continent's ability to develop much-needed digital finance and banking solutions on the right track. The Future of Finance Summit is anticipated to be an engaging platform for visitors to indulge in conversations on how fintech can shape Africa's finance. Industry leaders, government officials, and innovators are expected to address these important matters, with key topics encompassing how affordable tech can contribute to Africa's revolution in its march to a more digital and secure use of technology in the field. They will also tackle other topics ranging from investing in fintech, AI, and next-gen solutions, inclusive finance and how to design tech for African consumers The summit will also explore developing Africa's affordable technology solutions, connecting cash-based systems with digital platforms, using cutting-edge technology to solve financial problems, designing products for Africa's young, tech-savvy population, and tracking investment trends in African fintech. Africa's fintech and SME economy Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Africa's economy, generating nearly 50% of the continent's GDP with a potential value of $1 trillion in Africa. Due to their importance in Africa's financial landscape, the Future of Finance Summit is expected to allocate a whole day for SMEs in the digital age. This will be a platform for entrepreneurs to get inspired and learn how to navigate challenges and adapt their businesses to the changing digital age, bringing out the most of this new digital era. Entrepreneurs will have the chance to boost their knowledge and awareness of the digital skills needed to improve their businesses. Small businesses owners will be able to discover the latest tailored financial services, and the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. The sub-themes of the day include banking and fintech for SMEs, how to find access to solutions and funding, scaling and cross-border trade, as well as navigating regulations. The GITEX 2025 Future of Finance Summit shows Africa's commitment to transforming its financial landscape, betting on working together, embracing new ideas, and tackling challenges directly, to position Africa as a future leader in global fintech. Tags: fintechFintech AfricaGITEX Africa 2025
Gulf Business
21-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
DWTC reports record events, real estate growth in 2024
Image: DWTC Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the key hub for global business and connecting markets, has reported its results of 2024, revealing the record-breaking performance which continues to boost the economic structure in Dubai. DWTC welcomed participants over 2.65 million in 2024, a 7 per cent increase over last year. In 2024, DWTC hosted 378 exhibitions and events by a 26 per cent year-on -year increase. The centre expanded its events calendar with forty new additions, including 10 exhibitions, 17 conferences, and 13 association conventions. The exhibitions and conferences attracted nearly 59,000 exhibiting companies , with 77 per cent coming from international markets, while international participation at MICE event rose by 30 per cent year-on-year to over 942,000 attendees. The DWTC's flagship Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. The participation over 58,665 companies in the exhibitions and events made a 9 per cent increase compared to the last year. Commenting on the performance, Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: 'Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai's global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC's role in fostering meaningful commercial connections.' Key events at DWTC in 2024 The KAOUN International expanded DWTC's global reach with GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore. The healthcare sector led MICE participation, drawing 465,000 attendees, a 69 per cent rise from 2023. The food, hotel, and catering sector followed with 28,3000 attendees, a 25 per cent increase compared to last year, while the IT sector saw 281,000 attendees with an increase by 8 per cent year-on-year. Major events like The Baby Expo, Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, World Vape Show and China Home Life, and the Leisure, Sport and Travel sector, with nearly 110,000 attendees, led by Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai Muscle Show. Other high-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika and Inter-sec showcased DWTC'S strong event portfolio and its role in attracting global participation across diverse industries. Real estate milestones The asset management business saw near-full occupancy: 99 per cent in commercial spaces (One Central, Sheikh Rashid, Convention Tower) and over 90 per cent in Expo Village. The DWTC Authority Free Zone expanded, incorporating One Za'abeel, attracting 389 new businesses with its premium offerings and free zone advantages. Read:
Arabian Business
20-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai World Trade Centre reports record 2024 growth with 2.65mn attendees
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) reported a record-breaking year in 2024, with 2.65 million event participants, a 7 percent increase from 2023. The venue hosted 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), business, and consumer events, reflecting a 26 percent year-on-year increase, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office. DWTC's MICE segment recorded 135 events in 2024, up from 107 in 2023, attracting 2.03 million attendees, a 30 percent increase. International participation at MICE events reached 942,000, accounting for 46 percent of total attendees. Exhibiting companies grew by 9% to 58,665, with 77 percent being international. Dubai World Trade Centre reports record growth in 2024 'Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai's global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC's role in fostering meaningful commercial connections. Our continued success in attracting new-to-market events across diverse sectors reaffirms Dubai's unique appeal as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity. This momentum fuels our confidence as we drive forward with our ambitious venue expansion strategy to meet increasing global demand,' Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority said. DWTC organised 20 exhibitions and events, drawing 590,000 attendees, a 14 percent year-on-year increase. International attendees numbered 242,000, or 41 percent of total participation. Exhibiting companies at DWTC's events increased by 9 percent to 19,062, with 79 percent being international. KAOUN International expanded DWTC's reach beyond Dubai, with GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore. Healthcare, IT sectors lead DWTC's top performing events in 2024 The Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific sector hosted 25 events, attracting 465,000 attendees, a 69 percent increase from 2023. Key events included WHX Expo Dubai, AEEDC, DUPHAT, WHX Labs Dubai, and Dubai Derma. The Food, Hotel, and Catering sector drew 283,000 attendees, accounting for 14 percent of MICE participation, led by Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing. The Information Technology sector recorded 281,000 attendees, driven by GITEX Global. Other top-performing sectors included the Consumer Goods sector, attracting 112,000 attendees, and the Leisure, Sport, and Travel sector, with 110,000 attendees. High-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika, and Intersec. DWTC hosted 25 conferences in 2024, doubling the previous year's number, with nearly 90,000 participants. Key events included AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, Global Freight Summit, and MEIDAM. Fourteen international association meetings drew over 104,000 participants, three times more than the previous year, with notable events including the MDRT Global Conference, WCA World, and World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems. Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) hosted 24 events in 2024, attracting 128,000 participants. Nine major exhibitions and conferences brought in 75,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibiting companies. Notable events included Custom Show Emirates, Dubai Muscle Show, and National Service Career Fair. DWTC's AED10 billion expansion of DEC will add 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition space by 2026, increasing total capacity to 140,000 sqm. By 2031, DEC will span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 visitors daily. 'Our 2024 results underscore the strategic focus on scaling Dubai's global events sector. Our DEC expansion represents the next critical phase of increasing our capacity to meet growing global demand, allowing us to significantly multiply both our event hosting capabilities and economic contribution over the coming decade. This infrastructure investment, combined with our sector diversification strategy and growing international appeal, positions DWTC to not only advance Dubai's Economic Agenda 'D33' but to fundamentally reshape the emirate's role in global commerce and solidify its status as a world-leading business destination,' Helal Saeed Almarri added. DWTC's Real Estate division partnered with Emaar Properties to create Expo Living within Expo City Dubai. Asset Management achieved 99 percent occupancy across One Central, Sheikh Rashid Tower, and Convention Tower, while Expo Village residential units reached 90 percent occupancy.
