Latest news with #KAOUNInternational
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Nigeria Leverages GITEX to Accelerate Tech-Driven Growth, Policy Reform
Rabat – Nigeria is steadily positioning itself as one of Africa's key players in the digital economy, driven by a mix of forward-looking government policies, global tech collaborations, and a dynamic startup scene. With an ambitious goal of reaching a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the country is betting on technology as a catalyst for change, from nurturing talent and expanding digital infrastructure to sparking innovation across industries. The first edition of GITEX NIGERIA, held from September 1-4, in Abuja and Lagos, will offer a platform for local and international decision-makers to align on strategies that shape Nigeria's digital future. The event is led under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with support from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, alongside the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Lagos state government also endorses the event, which is organized by KAOUN International, the global name behind GITEX. The conference opens in Abuja with a Government Leadership & AI Summit on September 1, gathering policymakers, tech leaders, and investors to discuss AI deployment and digital infrastructure. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Hon Bosun Tijani, noted in a press statement, Nigeria's ambition to move from consuming technology to producing solutions: 'Our success in AI and digital development will define Nigeria's role in the global economy. GITEX NIGERIA gives us the chance to present our talent, innovation, and ideas to the world.' From September 3-4, Lagos hosts the Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at the Eko Hotel Convention Center and the Startup Festival at the Landmark Center. Together, these events form West Africa's largest gathering of tech visionaries, investors, and policymakers shaping digital transformation in business, government, and society. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a hub for innovation and investment: 'We aim to make Lagos the preferred destination for digital solutions in Africa. GITEX NIGERIA will place our city at the center of the continent's digital future.' NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi called GITEX NIGERIA a catalyst for Africa's technology growth: 'The event represents a milestone in building a digital ecosystem that promotes access to AI technologies, scalable infrastructure, and international competitiveness.' GITEX NIGERIA signals the African nation's determination to employ policy, investment, and diplomacy to assert its status as a continental digital innovation hub. The event is representative of where innovation meets national strategy and reflects the government's ambition to balance economic growth against technological sovereignty. Nigeria's economy went through a positive transformation towards diversifying its heavy reliance on oil revenues. The government is more and more interested in developing industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services, alongside investment-friendly policies to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign direct investment. Such events as GITEX NIGERIA 2025 play a crucial role in this endeavor, uniting policymakers, business leaders, and innovators in an attempt to accelerate digital transformation and unlock Nigeria's capacity to become a technology-powered economic growth hub. GITEX Africa Morocco 2025, held earlier this year, demonstrated the quality of how such a show can propel national and regional digital economies. With more than 1,500 exhibitors and more than 700 startups represented from across the globe, it enabled partnerships in areas of AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital health. Tags: AfricagitexnigeriaNIGERIA GITEX 2025Technology
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The World's Largest Tech Show Brand, GITEX, Unveils Expansion into Kenya with Inaugural 2026 Edition Set to Unlock US$2.4 Billion Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Economic Potential
As Kenya invests heavily in key economic growth and national resilience drivers, from digital infrastructure and AI factories to hyperscale data centres and green industrialisation, the country is set for increased international attention following the announcement of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya. Organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX, in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya and dx⁵, Africa's top technology driver, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya debuts in Nairobi from 19-21 May 2026. With the AI market alone expected to contribute US$2.4 billion to Kenya's GDP by 2030 and generate over 300,000 new jobs by 2028, the event is poised to highlight Kenya's increasing AI and digital transformation leadership regionally and internationally. It will catalyse a new wave of transformative partnerships and investments, simultaneously accelerating the responsible and inclusive deployment of emerging technologies. Convening one of the most influential multistakeholder gatherings on the continent, GITEX continues to offer unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talents, relationships, and investment opportunities. Throughout its 45-year history, international engagement and expansion have become synonymous with a brand that now stages shows in eight countries and five regions globally, including Germany, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam. With Kenya's highly anticipated introduction into the GITEX international events portfolio, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will become East Africa's largest tech and startup event, bringing together policymakers, technologists, academia, the private sector, civil society, creatives, and development partners. Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, welcomed the announcement: 'Hosting Ai Everything Kenya is both a recognition of our achievements and a call to action. Kenya is positioning itself at the heart of Africa's digital transformation, where artificial intelligence is not just a tool for innovation, but a force for economic inclusion, public service reform, and sustainable development.' He noted that AI, affirmed by the recently launched Kenyan AI Strategy, is a cornerstone of the country's broader transformation agenda, aligned with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA): ' We are proud to lead this moment that places Africa on the global AI map—not just as consumers, but as creators and collaborators shaping a future rooted in our values and vision.' Dr. Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, noted that hosting AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya in the same year as the 2026 Global Data Festival underscores the nation's ambition to cement Nairobi's role as the world's multilateral hub for digital cooperation and innovation. 'This drive is anchored in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which, for the first time, elevated technology diplomacy alongside our traditional pillars and established a strategic framework for advancing international collaboration on emerging technologies,' he said. 'It reflects our commitment to deepen cooperation on data governance, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure – and to weave technology considerations into peacebuilding, trade negotiations, and development partnerships. By convening global stakeholders in Nairobi, we are showcasing that Africa's diplomacy is evolving and up to task with the new and emerging trends of collaboration to address our greatest challenges.' Amb. Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology, also underscored the event's national significance: 'The hosting of Ai Everything Kenya is more than symbolic, it affirms Kenya's stature as a trusted convener of global conversations on the future of technology.' Furthermore, Amb. Thigo highlighted the bold leadership of H.E. President William Ruto in championing green industrialisation and inclusive development through innovation: 'This moment reflects our commitment to harnessing emerging technologies such as AI not only to solve local challenges but also to shape global norms that are equitable, sustainable, and reflective of Africa's development aspirations,' he said. 'It is also a platform to showcase Kenya's and Africa's ingenuity – our capacity not only to adopt but to design, build, and export transformative technologies that reflect our values, realities, and ambitions.' Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵, emphasised the collaborative vision behind the event: 'Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya is more than an event – it is a catalyst for Africa's digital transformation,' he added. 'By bringing together global innovators, policymakers, and local talent, we're creating a platform that not only showcases Kenya's technological advancements but also fosters collaboration and investment across the continent. This is also a strong expression of confidence in Kenya's status as a premier MICE destination – with the infrastructure, expertise, and vibrancy to successfully host global technology and innovation leaders.' Celebrating the partnership, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC&CEO of KAOUN International, said: ' Kenya has already carved out an influential piece of Africa's digital landscape – incubating and fuelling tech that is changing lives across the nation. The launch of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya shall mark a pivotal milestone in Kenya's digital journey and the rise of AI and digital economies across East Africa. This landmark event shall cast a unique global spotlight on the nation's progressive policies, homegrown talent, emerging infrastructure, and bold ambitions, consolidating Kenya's status as a competitive, influential force for technological change in the regional and global tech arenas. This shall ultimately unlock new avenues for cross-border collaboration between public and private sectors, elevating an increasingly dynamic and resilient regional ecosystem.' With digitalisation a critical economic development and employment creation pillar under transformative strategies, including Kenya Vision 2030 and Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya amplifies this potential, presenting a world-class programme curated to accelerate tech integration across critical sectors in the emerging AI and digital economies. Comprising a one-day global summit and two-day exhibition showcase, the event will revolve around six key themes at the forefront of Kenya's emerging digital economy and technology ecosystem: AI, agritech, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and sustainability. Alongside a global community of governments, enterprises, experts, investors, SMEs, startups, and digital promotion agencies, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya, supported by Gulfood, the world's biggest food show, stands to redefine cross-sector collaboration, inspire new public-private partnership projects, attract investment, scale technologies, and propel Kenya's digital transformation journey to greater heights. Further news and updates surrounding the event will follow in due course. For more information on GITEX, please visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.
TECHx
23-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
GITEX Kenya 2026 to Spotlight AI and Digital Innovation
Home » Other Tech Events » GITEX Kenya 2026 to Spotlight AI and Digital Innovation Kenya is set to host GITEX Kenya and Ai Everything Kenya in May 2026. The major tech event will run from May 19 to 21 in Nairobi. This was announced by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX, in collaboration with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of Kenya and dx⁵, Africa's top tech driver. The event will spotlight Kenya's rise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). Kenya is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, AI factories, hyperscale data centres, and green industrialisation. These efforts aim to boost economic growth and national resilience. According to reports, the AI market in Kenya is projected to add US$2.4 billion to the country's GDP by 2030. It is also expected to generate over 300,000 new jobs by 2028. This international event is expected to: Attract global innovators, policymakers, and investors Boost Kenya's position as a regional tech leader The event will feature a one-day global summit and a two-day exhibition. It will cover six key themes: AI, agritech, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and sustainability. Kenya's inclusion in the GITEX global events marks a milestone. GITEX already hosts shows in Germany, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam. Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, said hosting Ai Everything Kenya confirms Kenya's AI leadership. He revealed it aligns with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Dr. Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, noted that the event will reinforce Nairobi's role as a global digital cooperation hub. He reported that Kenya's strategy includes tech diplomacy and data governance under Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025. Amb. Philip Thigo, Kenya's Special Envoy on Technology, stated the event reflects Kenya's commitment to emerging technologies. He added it showcases Kenya not just as a consumer, but as a creator in global tech. Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵, emphasised that the event is a platform for Africa's digital transformation. He noted Kenya's readiness as a premier MICE destination with top infrastructure and expertise. Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, highlighted Kenya's role in shaping Africa's digital future. She announced the event will unlock global opportunities and boost regional partnerships. Backed by Gulfood, the world's largest food show, the event aims to drive cross-sector collaboration and investment. Kenya's digitalisation push is part of Vision 2030 and other national strategies. The debut of GITEX Kenya is expected to elevate Kenya's global tech standing.
TECHx
22-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
GITEX EUROPE Officially Launched in Berlin
Home » Other Tech Events » GITEX Expands to Europe with Berlin Event in 2025 GITEX GLOBAL has announced the launch of GITEX EUROPE. The event will take place in Berlin, Germany, from May 21–23, 2025. This marks the first European edition of the world's largest tech and startup show. GITEX EUROPE will be organized by KAOUN International, the international affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in partnership with Messe Berlin. According to the organizers, Berlin was selected for its central location, diverse tech ecosystem, and thriving startup culture. The city hosts over 500 growth-stage startups and unicorns. The launch was revealed during a press conference at a leading business tech festival in Germany. Leaders from Messe Berlin and KAOUN International shared their vision for this landmark event. Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, attended the announcement. He emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing technology. GITEX EUROPE 2025 will feature AI, cybersecurity, mobility, and deep tech. It will welcome industry leaders, governments, and global tech innovators. Organizers reported that the event aligns with GITEX's mission to promote global digital transformation. It will also support European innovation by connecting startups with global investors and partners. Messe Berlin's CEO, Dirk Hoffmann, stated that GITEX EUROPE will strengthen Europe's position as a global tech hub. He added that Berlin is ready to host a future-driven event of this scale. The debut of GITEX EUROPE expands the GITEX brand's global presence following successful editions in Dubai, Morocco, and Africa.
Emirates 24/7
22-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Tech, Startup, and Digital Investments Event kicks off in Berlin
- Artificial Intelligence: GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything Examines Dominant Tech Driving €2.7 Billion Economic Windfall -Europe's largest inaugural tech, startup & digital investments event highlights the technology redefining the region's digital future at Messe Berlin from 21-23 May Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly redefining Europe's digital landscape, transforming industrial productivity, scientific discovery, public services efficiency, and socio-economic development at scale. With McKinsey projecting AI could add €2.7 billion to European economic output by 2030 – translating to a potential 20% GDP increase – GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is poised to magnify the exponential value accompanying this incomparable technology. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, the region's largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event is running at Messe Berlin from 21-23 May. Featuring over 1,400 big tech enterprises, startups, and SMEs alongside over 600 investors and 500 global speakers from more than 100 countries and 35 European states, the event's programme explores the rising potential of AI, cloud, cybersecurity, quantum computing, green tech, and more. Tech Titans Converge to Showcase AI's Disruptive Power An illustration of AI's transformative potential, a recent European Parliament study anticipates labour market productivity increases as high as 37% by 2035. Central to this scenario are the world's most reputable tech enterprises currently driving cross-sector disruption through innovative AI-powered solutions – many of whom are GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything exhibitors and partners. Alongside AI changemakers including AWS, IBM, Cisco, and Honeywell, such exhibitors include Nutanix, a global cloud software leader showcasing Nutanix Enterprise AI (NAI). Alongside core data centres and on public cloud services including AWS EKS, Azure AKS, and Google GKE, this extended AI infrastructure platform can be deployed on any Cloud Native Computing Foundation® (CNCF)-certified Kubernetes® environment. Thomas Herrguth, General Manager Germany at Nutanix, said: 'GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything fills a huge gap as a general IT trade show that has been missing in Germany for years. Building on their success and expertise in the Gulf region, we wish the organisers all the best for their first edition in Berlin. For innovative vendors like Nutanix, it's a place to showcase to businesses and the wider public alike the future of IT and what this looks like for all of us.' Geoffrey Hinton: 'The Godfather of AI' Joins Star-Studded AI Expert Panel As Europe accelerates AI development following the recently passed EU AI Act, the world's first comprehensive legal AI regulation and innovation framework, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything spotlights emerging challenges and opportunities facing regional and international digital ecosystems. To forge consensus in new partnerships and business outcomes for more agile, business-friendly, and responsible global digital systems, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything stages thought-provoking discussions and powerful perspectives from the world's leading voices in AI. In a historic appearance, Geoffrey Hinton – 2024 Nobel Prize winner in Physics widely recognised as the 'Godfather of AI' – delivers a keynote address poised to reshape the discourse on AI. Celebrated for his pioneering research and sobering call to control superintelligent systems, Hinton offers a nuanced view of AI's promise and perils. The event programme welcomes an international line-up of featured AI panellists across its three-day duration, all of whom have extensive expertise across increasingly AI-critical industries. These include Mark Surman, President of Mozilla; Dr. Farzana Dudhwala, Global AI Policy & Governance Lead at Meta; Prof. Dr. Antonio Krüger, CEO of the German Research Center for AI (DFKI), and executives from AWS, IBM, Airbus, SAP, Cisco, and Nvidia. Christian Darkin, Head of AI at Deep Fusion Films, also brings 'Virtually Parkinson' to the stage – the studio's pioneering AI-driven talk show featuring a digital Sir Michael Parkinson interviewing global AI leaders live for the first time. Integration at Scale: Showcasing AI's Cross-Sector Influence & Impact As per the European Commission, Europe now hosts over 35,000 early-stage startups – more than any other region globally. Boasting a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything paves the way for greater cross-border collaborations, new public-private partnerships, and the rise of a new generation of digital entrepreneurs. Ahead of his involvement as an expert panellist, Adrian Locher, Co-Founder & General Partner of Merantix Capital, one of Europe's leading AI group working with founders to integrate AI with real-world applications, said: 'We've seen AI change in the public consciousness from an exciting opportunity into the dominant, most hyped topic in the entire tech and investing world. Practically every industry will be transformed by AI, offering huge, purpose-driven opportunities for investors and founders. Two industries particularly ripe for change are finance and legal. The next wave of fintech companies is replacing legacy structures with AI-powered systems, rebuilding the antiquated plumbing of our financial world from the ground up. In the legal space, AI will revamp the menial tasks of being a lawyer, from contract work to research, thereby empowering lawyers to focus on creatively serving clients.' Locher added: 'The GITEX brand is well known for its presence in the Middle East, and it's a really exciting development that the event is coming to Europe. We're eager to meet and network with a great roster of investors, founders, and AI builders.' Since 2018, the EU and member states have also committed over €8 billion to quantum technologies, and Fortune Business Insights has projected that the European quantum market will grow at a CAGR of 33.2% from 2024-2032. The GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything programme welcomes various specialists to discuss Europe's success in driving digital innovation and championing initiatives developing AI, quantum, and deep tech. Previewing his participation, Jan Goetz, Co-CEO & Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers, a Finland-based global leader in building quantum computers, revealed: 'The expected business benefits of quantum and AI convergence are vast, and business leaders must therefore begin thinking about how quantum AI might impact their industry and how they can position their respective companies to take advantage of this technology. Tech Hubs in Europe have grown from local initiatives into global powerhouses – and I believe this event will serve as a significant platform for shaping the future of investments, collaboration, and digital innovation in Germany and Europe.' The European Innovation Council (EIC), Europe's largest deeptech investor, also presents its largest-ever line-up of outstanding AI-first startups and scaleups in the most advanced tech sectors. GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is part of the GITEX global network of tech and startup events, taking place in Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE. For more information, please visit: Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
