GITEX AFRICA Morocco: International Investors and Public Officials Gather at North Star Africa to Accelerate Cross-Border Digital Growth

Sure! Here’s the translation of the provided French article into high-quality English:

As Africa accelerates in a world deeply transformed by artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies, an unprecedented opportunity is unfolding for the continent. With the African Continental Free Trade Area granting access to a market worth $3.4 trillion, GITEX AFRICA Morocco highlights the vast potential of Africa’s digital economy through North Star Africa, the continent’s largest startup showcase. This event brings together local and international investors around the most promising talents, boldest ideas, and most disruptive projects in the region.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, and organized under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is hosted by the Digital Development Agency and powered by KAOUN International, the global organizer of GITEX events. The fourth edition of the largest African trade fair dedicated to technology and startups will take place from April 7 to 9, 2026, featuring over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, along with more than 400 investors from over 35 countries, collectively managing assets exceeding $200 billion.

Guided by the theme “Creating a Global Future for Africa’s Digital Landscape,” North Star Africa showcases a continent where technological innovation, digital solutions, and intra-African trade meet the evolving socio-economic needs while enhancing Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Unprecedented Scale, Unmatched Investment Dynamics

Already recognized as a catalyst for coordinated large-scale deployment of Africa’s digital economy, North Star Africa is reaching new heights in scope and ambition in 2026, as evidenced by a record international participation. Alongside strategic markets such as Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom, over 700 startups will present their solutions, reflecting a 30% increase year-over-year. At the same time, 24% of the attending investors are participating in the event for the first time, signaling a rapidly growing global confidence in African innovation ecosystems.

North Star Africa has also attracted significant participation from government delegations across Africa and various international markets, reinforcing its positioning as a global platform for cross-border cooperation. Tunisia returns with over 40 startups specializing in sustainable technologies. Côte d’Ivoire is represented by 12 startups and an unprecedented delegation of 45 officials led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization. France is participating with its largest startup pavilion ever supported by government authorities, accompanied by ministerial representation.

Virginie Royer, Director of Major Projects and Regions at Numéum, the professional digital organization in France, states: “The link between Europe and Africa is extremely important. We have great things to accomplish together, and it is here that the connections and partnerships of tomorrow are built. That’s why Numéum is present at GITEX AFRICA. We aimed to better understand and familiarize ourselves with the African ecosystem, and we are impressed by the vision, energy, and advancement of Morocco and African digital sectors. We have already made numerous contacts, and this is just the beginning. These exchanges will pave the way for significant business opportunities between our ecosystems.”

The expanding international scope of the event and its enhanced capacity to foster cross-border collaborations are also reflected in the participation of 11 new countries from Europe and Asia, including Andorra, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hong Kong, Hungary, Luxembourg, Palestine, Portugal, and Thailand. This growing institutional presence illustrates an ever-stronger alignment between public policies, innovation, and investment. Senegal stands out with a notably strengthened delegation led by its Ministry of ICT, almost doubling the number of participating startups.

Her Excellency Ms. Seynabou Dial, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Senegal to the Kingdom of Morocco, declares: “GITEX is now an unmissable meeting point both on the African and global scale. It is a gathering for all stakeholders in digital technology, the tech ecosystem, and the digital transformation of our societies and administrations. We have 45 companies in the Senegalese pavilion, but our presence goes far beyond that. Other companies are also present throughout the fair to showcase digital solutions and investment opportunities, as digital is a crucial lever for the development of our societies.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic ambition in digital investment and talent development capable of addressing future challenges, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains: “To build a cyber-resilient nation, we need visibility, preparedness, and coordination. Through our 3 Million Talent initiative, we are developing citizens’ skills in 12 key areas, including cybersecurity. We invest in talents because a country’s digital resilience rests on individuals capable of protecting systems, designing solutions, and contributing positively to the digital economy rather than being excluded from it.”

Africa, a Land of Opportunity for Global Tech Investors

This edition also marks the highest-ever participation from sovereign funds, pension funds, and major development finance institutions, confirming the depth of institutional capital now mobilized on the continent. Following a particularly dynamic 2025, during which African tech startups raised $4.1 billion, a 25% year-over-year increase, North Star Africa directly connects startups with investors responsible for over 80% of funding granted to African startups. Additionally, leading international institutions such as Taiyo Holding, Shell Foundation, Small Foundation, and Oryx Impact—which mobilizes capital to foster the emergence of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive companies in Africa—are present.

When asked what message he would convey to international investors who have yet to enter the African market, Sebastian Waldburg, founding partner of Oryx Impact, says: “One point that many people still fail to perceive about Africa is that the continent’s greatest challenges are also its greatest opportunities. I can only invite everyone to look to Africa, invest in it, and direct more capital toward technology, innovation, SMEs, and infrastructure across the continent. The Moroccan ecosystem is also very promising. Many innovative companies are emerging in the Kingdom today, while pan-African funds are increasingly investing in local startups and tech companies.”

From Innovation to Scaling Up: The Rise of Local and Regional Startups

At the heart of the North Star Africa program is Morocco 300, a flagship national initiative led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with the Digital Development Agency. Enhanced by 50% in 2026, this initiative showcases 300 high-potential startups from 32 cities across Morocco operating in 31 business sectors.

Among them, Ondwear presents its AI-powered on-demand fashion platform. Profinance offers a financial services infrastructure designed to promote accessibility, automation, and economic affordability. IZEMX supports companies in their digital transformation through solutions integrating AI, automation, Web3, blockchain, and bespoke digital developments.

Their participation aligns with a broader continental dynamic, characterized by the involvement of innovative young enterprises gaining visibility throughout Africa. This includes AuroraIQ in Tunisia, presenting an open-source solution designed to simplify business management and cloud migration, and LafricaMobile in Senegal, a provider of mobile solutions enabling organizations to reach their users, engage with them, and facilitate transactions via mobile channels.

Malick Diouf, Director General of LafricaMobile, states: “Participating in GITEX AFRICA Morocco represents a major opportunity for LafricaMobile. It allows us to strengthen our partnerships, expand our impact across the continent, and concretely demonstrate how we support African businesses with accessible, effective, and scalable communication solutions.”

As Africa moves toward a future rooted in innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth connected to the rest of the world, North Star Africa emerges as a powerful engine for discovery, investment, and transformation. The event paves the way for a new generation of startups poised to shape the continent’s digital trajectory.

Let me know if you need any further assistance!