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

As Africa accelerates into a world profoundly transformed by artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies, an unprecedented opportunity is opening up for the continent. With the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, providing access to a market worth $3.4 trillion, **GITEX AFRICA Morocco** shines a light on the immense potential of Africa’s digital economy through **North Star Africa**, the continent’s largest startup showcase. This event brings together local and international investors to connect with 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 sponsored by KAOUN International, the global organizer of GITEX events. The fourth edition of Africa’s largest technology and startup exhibition will take place from April 7 to 9, 2026. It will feature over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, alongside more than 400 investors from over 35 countries, managing assets totaling over $200 billion.

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

An Unprecedented Scale, Unmatched Investment Dynamics

Already identified as a catalyst for coordinated, large-scale deployment of Africa’s digital economy, **North Star Africa** reaches a new level of scale and ambition in 2026, evidenced by record international participation. Alongside strategic markets such as Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK, over 700 startups will showcase their solutions, marking a 30% year-on-year increase. Simultaneously, 24% of participating investors will be attending the event for the first time, a clear indication of the growing global confidence in African innovation ecosystems.

**North Star Africa** has also witnessed strong participation from government delegations from across Africa and various international markets, further solidifying its position as a global platform for cross-border cooperation. Tunisia is making its return with over 40 startups specializing in sustainable technologies. Côte d’Ivoire is represented by 12 startups and a unique delegation of 45 officials led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization. France is also participating with its largest startup pavilion ever supported by public authorities, accompanied by ministerial representation.

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

The international outreach of the event and its 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 increasingly strong alignment between public policy, innovation, and investment. Senegal stands out notably with an enhanced delegation, led by its Ministry responsible for ICT, and almost double the number of participating startups.

Her Excellency Ms. Seynabou Dial, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Senegal to the Kingdom of Morocco, remarks: “GITEX has now become a must-attend event at both the African and global levels. It serves as a meeting point for all players in the digital space, the technological ecosystem, and the digital transformation of our societies and administrations. We have 45 companies within the Senegalese pavilion, but our presence goes well beyond that. Other companies are also present throughout the exhibition to showcase digital solutions and investment opportunities, as digital technology is a key lever for the development of our societies.“

Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic ambition regarding digital investment and talent development capable of meeting 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 initiative 3 Million Talent, we are developing the skills of citizens in 12 key areas, including cybersecurity. We are investing in talent because a country’s digital resilience relies 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 Opportunities for Global Tech Investors

This edition also sees the highest-ever participation from sovereign funds, pension funds, and major development financing 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% increase year-on-year, North Star Africa connects startups directly with investors responsible for over 80% of funding granted to African startups. Prominent international institutions such as Taiyo Holding, Shell Foundation, Small Foundation, and Oryx Impact are also participating, mobilizing capital to foster the emergence of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive companies in Africa.

When asked what message he would send to international investors who have yet to enter the African market, Sebastian Waldburg, founding partner at Oryx Impact, stated: “One point that many people still overlook about Africa is that the continent’s greatest challenges are also its greatest opportunities. I can only invite everyone to look towards Africa, to invest there, and to direct more capital towards 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 Scalability: 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. Strengthened by 50% in 2026, this initiative spotlights 300 high-potential startups from 32 cities in Morocco and operating across 31 sectors.

Among them, Ondwear showcases its AI-powered on-demand fashion platform. Profinance presents a financial services infrastructure designed to enhance access and economic affordability. IZEMX assists companies in their digital transformation with solutions incorporating AI, automation, Web3, blockchain, and custom digital developments.

Their presence aligns with a broader continental momentum, characterized by the participation of young, innovative companies rapidly gaining visibility across Africa. This is notably the case for AuroraIQ in Tunisia, which presents an open-source solution designed to simplify business management and facilitate cloud migration, and LafricaMobile in Senegal, a provider of mobile solutions enabling organizations to reach their users, interact with them, and facilitate transactions through mobile channels.

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

As Africa moves toward a future driven by innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in connection with 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 set to shape the continent’s digital trajectory.