Gitex Global: Special focus on African tech start-ups

The global digital economy is in full velocity mode, embracing the return of the world’s largest tech and start-up event, Gitex Global 2022. Commencing next week in Dubai, the event has a special focus on Africa’s tech ecosystems.

Organisers say with unrivalled record capacity, the event’s continued expansion fuels the installation of three additional sold-out halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is set to take place from 10 to 14 October, outperforming its previous edition as it prepares to host more than 5 000 companies and over 100 000 attendees from 170 countries, spanning 26 halls and two million square feet, matching the scale of 33 football fields.

The remarkable growth of the annual five-day event is marked by the presence of African key influencers amongst which Nigeria’s minister of communications and digital, and Ethiopia’s state minister of innovation and research sector.

Start-ups at the event count among the top global companies who will be showcasing ground-breaking applications in the metaverse, AI, Web 3.0, blockchain, 6G, cloud computing, fintech, and big data.

The African continent, considered by many tech thought leaders to be a promising market for innovation and creativity, is attracting investors from around the world. In 2021, the African tech ecosystem raised $5.2 billion (its best year ever), and some reports and tracking platforms predict that the continent is on track to raise $7 billion by 2022.

With the participation of over 100 African start-ups from every corner of the continent invited as exhibitors, Gitex Global 2022 is set to be one of the leading African tech gateways. Amongst the African exhibitors are Flutterwave, Deel, Volition Capital, Kitopi, GOODsoil VC, Patron, Avetol, Parcsmart, Terragon, Jabu Logistics, Q-Hop, Paddycover, Green Agro Solution, Melanin Kapital Limited, Zmall, Technology Solutions, and OBM Education.

Gitex Global 2022 is also a gathering of more than 250 government entities leading strategic digital projects and public-private partnerships, and 1 000-plus start-ups seeking their next big break in North Star Dubai. The Gitex 3.0 edition will unite the world’s most influential ecosystems advancing business, economy, society, and culture.

“As the curious audience attempts to make sense of the real versus virtual world we are creating, Gitex Global takes the helm in partnering with African and global tech leaders to empower, enlighten and enthuse everyone on the metamorphosis of the digital economy,” said Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of events management at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organiser.

Gitex 3.0 series also includes launches of Global DevSlam and X-Verse.

With a fully immersive deep dive into the digital universe, Gitex Global presents its 3.0 edition with Ai Everything, North Star Dubai (formerly Gitex Future Stars), Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania.

North Star Dubai shines with unstoppable African start-up entrepreneurship momentum.

Launched as Gitex Future Stars in 2016, the newly renamed North Star Dubai in 2022 underlines the ongoing evolution of the global start-up ecosystem, and the important role start- ups play in advancing innovation and international business collaboration.

North Star Dubai, with its strategic partner the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, is amplifying this trend, with the world’s largest start-up event bringing together more than 1 000 exhibitors from 60 countries and more than 600 investors.

Smashing geographic boundaries, North Star Dubai also introduces Africa Fast 100, the largest ever gathering of African start-ups to be hosted outside Africa, connecting investors with Unicorn prospects from the world’s fast-rising tech incubator.

More information is available online.

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