Capacity Crowds Mark Monumental Opening of GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore – Cementing New Era For Asia’s Tech Industry 

Capacity Crowds Mark Monumental Opening of GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore – Cementing New Era For Asia’s Tech Industry 

 

  • The region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event is officially underway at Marina Bay Sands after action-packed opening day

 

After weeks of increasing anticipation among the regional and international tech communities, the first-ever GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore began in blistering fashion on Wednesday as capacity crowds enjoyed an action-packed opening day agenda. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Asian inaugural edition of the world’s largest show is running at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from April 23-25.

Under the theme ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia‘, the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event welcomes 700+ enterprises and award-winning startups from 20+ industry sectors and 70+ countries. Alongside 400+ global expert speakers and 250+ leading investors managing US$200 billion in assets under management (AUM), it stands to present unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talent, relationships, and opportunities.

An opening ceremony launched this unmissable three-day celebration of technological innovation, visionary collaboration, and universal digital ambition, where those who helped bring the event to life elaborated on its inspiration and what audiences can expect.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, said: “We’re delighted to launch the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments here in Singapore, but this is not about the size. It’s about our commitment to bringing global ecosystems, countries, and cities together, powering human capital, benchmarking with the world, and forging new alliances, relationships, ideas, and opportunities whilst making the whole global universe of AI much bigger and more competitive. Whether from established markets or rising emerging economies, our responsibility is ensuring we connect and provide the chance to collaborate and compete. It’s about driving public-private partnerships and cross-industry, cross-continental collaboration because that’s the only way to go even faster and further in the new AI economy. This is the mission of GITEX.”

The Cybercrime Conundrum: Addressing A Looming US$23 Trillion Threat

Throughout its three-day duration, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore hosts powerful debates surrounding the most pressing topics in tech – welcoming renowned tech leaders, founders, investors, national digital agency officials and regulators to discuss the fastest-changing competitive developments as formidable companies showcase the latest tech solutions revolutionising societies and industries.

Across 180+ hours of content and eight key themes, a thrilling journey into technology’s new frontiers awaits visitors through a world-class event and exhibition programme – one with cybersecurity at its core alongside AI, cloud, quantum, green tech, health tech & biotech, smart cities, startups and more.

Addressing audiences during the event inauguration, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government, stated: “Cybercrime does not distinguish between nations, businesses, startups, or people – and this is why we must be the first line of defence against malicious actors and build a security culture that transcends across the whole continent and beyond. This culture is a pillar of societal prosperity, security, and success. Being here in Singapore alongside so many great ecosystem partners, national security agencies, and cyber security companies amplifies our message that cyber security is paramount and integral to everything we do in a transforming digital world. We are gathered here to make this happen and forge a safe, secure, and resilient future through which digital ecosystems and economies thrive.”

For his part, Ahmed AlKetbi, Deputy Ambassador, Head of Economic, Trade and Investment, UAE Embassy in Singapore, elaborated on the robust ties between Singapore and the UAE, further enforcing H.E. Dr. Al Kuwaiti’s message that cooperation is a prerequisite to nations overcoming common obstacles and realising shared objectives.

During his inauguration address, AlKetbi added: “GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore represents an empowering platform for enhancing bilateral trade and relationships spanning government, business, people, and the private sector. Already, the UAE and Singapore enjoy a S$24 billion bilateral trade partnership, and the UAE is proud to be Singapore’s main partner in the MENA region. Furthermore, in 2019, the two governments signed the UAE-Singapore Comprehensive Partnership, a framework aimed at deepening existing areas of cooperation and exploring new areas of mutual benefit. We are open to expanding such relationships to any ambitious communities, countries, and continents – and we look forward to fruitful, comprehensive discussions throughout this week and beyond.”

With FBI and IMF projecting that average annual cybercrime costs could skyrocket from US$8.4 trillion in 2022 to over US$23 trillion by 2027, the cybercrime conundrum engulfing business communities worldwide headlined day one discussions during the GITEX Digital AI Economy Summit.

David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, revealed: “Singapore remains steadfast in our commitment to building a secure, open, resilient, and interoperable digital world. Even as we jostle with geopolitical tensions and transnational technological change unconstrained by geography, we should always remember that the future is in our hands. In the cyberspace, like-minded countries must work together to strengthen frameworks for responsible state behaviour, establish common security challenges solutions, develop common technical standards to safeguard digital devices, and invest in our people. Amidst uncertainties around us, there is  no better place to come together to respond to, and seize, the opportunities ahead of us.”

Unlocking US$5 Trillion Value Potential: Asia’s Healthcare Revolution Assessed

Across the opening day programming, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore presented invaluable opportunities to gain eye-opening market development forecasts and disruptive deep tech projections from leading visionaries in their respective fields.

Various feature events co-located across the show floor presented the most potent debates and thought-provoking perspectives surrounding the AI phenomenon transcending increasingly digitalisation industries, including healthcare through GITEX Digi Health & Biotech.Asia's largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything, launch a new era of tech in the region..jpeg

According to Boston Consulting Group, Asia’s healthcare market could reach a whopping US$5 trillion by 2030, illustrating technology’s vast potential to completely redefine industries and fuel economic growth.

With the rise of AI-driven diagnostics, Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals, Malaysia, shared his perspective on how digital health companies should balance technological innovation with ethical considerations and patient safety. He said: “Digital health companies should prioritise transparency, ensuring AI-driven diagnostics are explainable and accountable. They must engage in robust testing to uphold patient safety while fostering collaboration with healthcare professionals. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and equitable access, should guide innovation, aligning technological advancements with patient-centric care and societal well-being.”

GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore continues on Thursday. North Star Asia, the world’s largest startup, accelerator, and investor connector event, is set to star alongside Ai Everything, the region’s most groundbreaking AI showcase, and the GITEX Quantum Expo Asia, destined to set the scene for a new computing era regionally and beyond.

GITEX Africa returns in 2024 with strong line-up of tech topics, set to fast-track continent’s future digital economy

GITEX Africa returns in 2024 with strong line-up of tech topics, set to fast-track continent’s future digital economy

GITEX Africa (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest and most influential tech and start-up event is on high momentum to welcome the year’s biggest tech conversations and collaborative ventures in Marrakech, Morocco.

 

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, the 2nd edition of GITEX Africa will take place from 29-31 May 2024, under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD).

The 2nd blockbuster edition follows its pioneering debut in 2023, rated by the attending tech community as the world’s best tech launch event. The intense global interest in exploring diverse tech themes is now powering GITEX Africa’s growth, fuelling momentum in a maturing digital ecosystem while turbocharging a big tech rush into one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic markets.

GITEX Africa 2024 shall welcome thousands of attendees from across the continent for large scale discourse and future-focused collaborations, while accelerating tech’s massive advances across diverse industries, from cloud and IOT, cybersecurity, digital health, and future finance, to consumer tech, telecoms, and the great hype of artificial intelligence.

H.E. Dr Ghita Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, met with organisers in Morocco recently as plans ramp up for the development of an expanded purpose-built venue to accommodate the surge in global exhibitor demand.

“The success of the 1st edition of GITEX Africa Morocco highlights our continent’s enthusiastic embrace of the digital revolution and Morocco’s commitment to strengthen South-South cooperation in the digital field, as well as its contribution to the international promotion of the African continent in accordance with the High Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.” said H.E. Dr Mezzour.

“Our ambitions are growing as we look ahead to the 2nd edition in the beautiful city of Marrakech. We’re excited about making GITEX Africa Morocco even more remarkable and look forward to hosting a diverse and impactful African and international tech presence.”

Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD, added: “The Kingdom of Morocco successfully hosted the first edition of GITEX Africa Morocco in 2023, which showcased Africa as an emergent continent in the digital economy. The 2nd edition in 2024 is another opportunity to enhance and support Africa’s digital transformation progress and boost the competitiveness of the continent’s digital ecosystems.”

World Future Health Africa debut accelerates continent’s digital health revolution

GITEX Africa is organised by KAOUN International, the overseas affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which organises GITEX GLOBAL in the UAE, the world’s largest and most trusted tech and start-up event. The expansion of Africa’s powerhouse tech showcase is amplified by the debut of the co-located World Future Health Africa, accelerating the continent’s ascending tech-fuelled digital health revolution.

World Future Health Africa is held under the auspices of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Public Administration Reform, the Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Digital Development Agency.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX Africa and World Future Health Africa, said: “This sequel of GITEX Africa this year follows the upbeat trend of tech discovery we created last year in its inaugural edition.

“The global community is experiencing the growing energy, curiosity and demand for digital advancement from Africa which is outpacing that of matured developed continents. The depth and breadth of tech showcase, including the much-hyped AI in society and business at GITEX Africa shall be an eye-opening experience fostering great knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities between the public and private sectors, and amongst businesses across the world.”

Tech titans return intensifying cross-continental tech tussle

The 2nd edition of GITEX Africa will welcome returning exhibitors following their hugely successful participation at the show’s momentous debut in 2023. Multinational majors including Epson, Honeywell, Kaspersky, and Lexar are among those back for a second round of future-focused collaborations reviving a tech-enabled African investment race.

Neil Colquhoun, Vice President of Epson Europe and the Middle East, said: “Epson is delighted to announce its participation for the second consecutive year at GITEX Africa 2024. Epson’s technology offering will focus primarily on a range of sustainable, energy-efficient solutions and products that address the pressing concerns of many industrial sectors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.”

UAE-headquartered Presight, the Middle East’s leading big data analytics company powered by generative AI, and part of G42, a global leader in creating visionary AI, will also return: “Africa has been our focus; it’s the newly emerging continent for the digital workforce and digital transformation,” said Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight.

“Presight has multiple digital transformation programmes with several African governments, and in 2024, we aim to contribute even more to the continent’s thriving tech ecosystem. Our goal is to make a positive societal impact using our big data analytics capabilities powered by generative AI. With GITEX Africa playing a key role, we’re excited to be part of discussions shaping the continent’s digital transformation journey.”

Bertrand Trastour, General Manager, France and North, Central and West Africa of global leading Cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, added: “GITEX Africa is a very important platform for Kaspersky as it allows us to inform our customers and partners about our growth strategy and potential.

“Digitalisation is a high priority in African markets, and cybersecurity is the foundation for this successful transformation. Kaspersky provides the most comprehensive cybersecurity for the growth of our customers’ businesses, regardless of their sector, scenario or assets.”

Moroccan trailblazers spotlight ground-breaking innovations

Moroccan headliners advancing tech and innovation across the region are also returning to GITEX Africa 2024, including Maroc Data Centre, Zen Networks, Dataprotect, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the show’s official R&D partner.

“UM6P transcends the traditional boundaries of R&D, embodying a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship for Africa and beyond,” said Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P.

“We are excited to elevate our role at GITEX Africa, not merely as a leading R&D collaborator but as a beacon of innovation. Our partnership with GITEX Africa underscores our dedication to driving progress in science, technology, and investment realms.

Added Laghzioui: “We aim to nurture and scale DeepTech ventures across Africa through our targeted entrepreneurship and venturing programs, moving beyond Morocco’s borders. GITEX Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity for UM6P to forge strategic partnerships, showcasing our ground-breaking initiatives in diverse sectors such as HealthTech, BioTech, AgriTech, and GreenTech. These efforts stem from UM6P’s innovation labs and from our extended ecosystem, poised to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges.”

Regional start-up, VC investment surge on high revs at North Star Africa

GITEX Africa 2024 will feature an elevated North Star Africa start-up showcase, converging the largest curation of award-winning start-ups and scale-ups ever seen in the African continent. The most ambitious and forward-thinking entrepreneurs and founders will collaborate with African and global accelerators and investors to scale business opportunity in a region that is tipped to raise US$10 billion in VC funds by 2025.

North Star Africa is extending its far-reaching footprint to all ends of the world’s second largest continent and beyond, spurring investors to seek out and uplift the next potential unicorns solving Africa’s biggest challenges.

There’ll be more awards too, with globe-trotting innovative companies battling for start-up supremacy at the Supernova Challenge, Africa’s most coveted and valuable start-up pitch competition, with a prize pool of US$100,000 up for grabs across six categories.

NITDA PARTICIPATES AT GITEX AFRICA, EMPHASISES ON REGIONAL COLLABORATION

NITDA PARTICIPATES AT GITEX AFRICA, EMPHASISES ON REGIONAL COLLABORATION

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the need regional collaboration in accelerating digital transformation across Africa, provide opportunities that can propel the continent into a digital era of innovation and inclusive development.

GITEX Africa inaugural edition of technology exhibitions in the region, brings together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss and showcase advancements in technology.

The event provides an ideal platform for organisations to promote dialogue, showcase innovative solutions, and forge partnerships to harness the potential of the digital age. NITDA’s participation focuses on fostering collaborations, sharing best practices, and addressing the challenges hindering Africa’s digital growth.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, participated at the two Panel Sessions themed: “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities” and “Fast Tracking to an Integrated and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure.”

In his presentations, Dr. Onumo discussed the role of technology in driving economic growth, job creation, and digital economy development on the continent. He highlighted the need for African countries to invest in digital infrastructure, skills development, and policy reforms in order to reap the full benefits of digital transformation.

Dr. Onumo also stressed the importance of collaboration between governments, academia, industry, venture capitalist, and the tech community in order to accelerate digital transformation in Africa. He called on African countries to work together to develop common standards and regulations for the digital economy, and to promote the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors of the economy.

He further alluded to the progress made through African Free trade Agreement and African Smart Alliance and called for a sustained effort toward a common digital identity for

He also highlighted the challenges that Africa faces in terms of digital transformation, noting that one of the biggest challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure, digital skills as well as digital inclusion, and pointed out that there is a need for more investment in human capital development.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Onumo said that Africa as a continent has the potential to become a major player in the global digital economy. He called on all stakeholders to work together to overcome the challenges and to seize the opportunities that digital transformation presents.

Dr. Onumo’s shared NITDA’s insights and expertise on digital transformation, especially the development of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024).

He stated that, “Technology is a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Africa. We need to invest in digital infrastructure and develop our own digital strategies in order to fully reap the benefits of the digital revolution.”

“Public-private partnerships are essential for driving digital transformation in Africa. We need to work together to create a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for the continent,” he added.

He reiterated that NITDA is committed to supporting the digital transformation of Nigeria and Africa, adding that, the agency is working with governments, private sector, and the tech community to develop and implement policies, programmes, and initiatives that will accelerate digital transformation on the continent.

“An example of such collaboration is in the development of the Nigeria Startup Act which the ecosystem regards as the game changer that will further catalyse the industry and make Nigeria a global startup destination”, he further stated.

The panel sessions were made up of experts and representatives from governments, businesses, and the tech community from across Africa. The discussions were lively and productive, and there was a clear consensus among the participants that digital transformation is essential for Africa’s economic development.

Morocco unites global tech community’s commitment to advancing African digital economy at momentous GITEX Africa launch

Morocco unites global tech community’s commitment to advancing African digital economy at momentous GITEX Africa launch

 

 

Debut of Africa’s largest tech and start-up show to welcome 900 companies to explore, discover, and connect to real opportunities in world’s rising digital economy

 

H.E Dr Ghita Mezzour: “We’re witnessing a historic event, the largest tech networking and business event in the African continent”

 

 

Morocco will centre the global tech community’s attention on Africa’s united commitment to advancing the digital economy next week, converging the best minds from governments, businesses, big tech, start-ups, investors and youths to accelerate and catalyse the continent’s ambitious digital transformation journey. 

 

GITEX Africa 2023, now the largest tech and start-up show in the African continent, will make its highly anticipated debut from 31 May-2 June, with the final preparations underway across ten halls and 45,000sqm of exhibition space in a purpose-built super venue at Place Bab Jdid, Bd Al Yarmouk in the Red City of Marrakech. It will welcome 900 big tech companies, government entities, start-ups and participants from more than 100 countries, while attracting tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world. 

 

GITEX Africa is the largest business event launch of any industry in the Middle East and Africa in recent years, and is affiliated with GITEX Global in Dubai, the world’s largest tech and start-up show, rated by global tech executives as the world’s best global tech event.

 

Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, GITEX Africa is hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD), under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.

 

Addressing media at the show’s official preview press conference today was H.E Dr Ghita Mezzour, Minister of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform; Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD; and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, GITEX Africa’s organiser. 

 

In attendance were GITEX Africa’s official institutional partners the ANRT (Moroccan National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency), AMDIE (Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency), ONMT (Moroccan National Tourist Office), ONDA (National Airports Office), Royal Air Maroc, and ONCF (Moroccan National Railway Office).

“The Kingdom of Morocco is proud to host GITEX Africa under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him,” said H.E. Dr Mezzour.  “We’re witnessing a historic event, the first ever edition of GITEX Africa, and the largest tech networking and learning business event in the African continent.

 

“GITEX Africa will be an opportunity for Moroccan and African start-ups owners and young programmers to get in touch with regional and global investors and business incubators. An opportunity as well to networking with actors in both public and private sectors.”

 

Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD, added that hosting GITEX Africa underlines Morocco’s commitment to work alongside the private and public sector to accelerate Africa’s digital infrastructure development while promoting cross-continental e-governance policies that improve digital transparency, openness and process integration: “The Kingdom of Morocco as well as the whole African continent is so honoured to host the first edition of GITEX Africa Morocco, which will take place in Marrakech from May 31st to June 2nd, 2023,” said Mr. Melyani.

 

“This big event, organised under the high patronage of his Majesty the King Mohammed VI, is an important opportunity to value the efforts deployed by all the Moroccan stakeholders in the field of digital development. It is also a platform of networking between exhibitors, investors, researchers and tech operators around innovative solutions and digital transformation.  This first edition will definitely contribute to enhance digital transition in Africa as a future innovation hub, led by its young talents and competitive start-ups.”

 

Magnifying Africa’s collective digital innovation ambitions and achievements

 

GITEX Africa’s impressive scale in its debut edition reflects the ambitions of Africa’s digital movement, with cross-continental initiatives such as Smart Africa’s vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030 propelling the continent to the forefront of the global digital economy.

 

“For too long, the world’s second largest continent has been under-stated and overlooked for its profound digital opportunities and aspirations,” commented Ms. LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International.  

 

“At GITEX Africa, our mission is to curate an event that will serve the purpose of the African community in accessing business development, investment and learning opportunities.  We focus on empowering the new generation of tech and creative talents to augment the culture of entrepreneurship and provide a single occasion that shall bring together the public and private sector leaderships to build tangible meaningful outcomes.”

 

That GITEX Africa hoisted the sold-out sign fuelling further expansion months before its grand opening is testament to the world’s confidence and optimism in the African digital opportunity, amplified by figures that underline the aspirations of African countries in their quest for digital excellence.

 

Africa’s vibrant start-up ecosystem also continues to grab headlines with the creation of seven unicorns over the last few years while according to analysts Briter Bridges, African start-ups raised a total of US$5.4 billion across 900-plus deals in 2022.

 

The influx of global interest will see GITEX Africa 2023 host more than 400 disruptive start-ups from 30 countries, including 200 international award-winning start-ups and 11 unicorns eager to share their achievements and access the promising African innovation hub.  

 

All will have the opportunity to connect with 250 investors from 34 countries with US$200 billion worth of assets under management. As the ultimate start-up incubator and magnet for flourishing VC funds, GITEX Africa will deliver a structured and carefully curated scouting platform for these investors, of which 70 percent are coming from outside of Africa. 

 

Added Ms. LohMirmand: “GITEX integrates Africa strategically into the hyper-connected tech ecosystem across 100 countries. It now firmly plugs Africa into the global entrepreneurial innovation economy boasting of resources imperative for the region to dynamize its digital transformation mission.”

 

Accelerating the Moroccan digital development strategy

 

GITEX Africa 2023 will also accentuate the progress of Morocco’s digital development strategy, strengthening its position among the top three African countries with the best ICT infrastructure, and underlining its status as having one of the continent’s most advanced telecommunications markets.

 

According to analysts IDC, Morocco’s IT market, comprising hardware, software and IT services, is expected to reach a value of US$1.7 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.3 percent to reach US$1.9 billion in 2026. In 2023, growth is expected to be driven by enterprise and service provider spending in the North African country as organisations increasingly look to adopt hybrid cloud as a step towards their digital transformation initiatives.

 

World’s best minds gather at Africa’s most impactful leadership conference agenda

 

Africa’s most impactful leadership conference programme will meanwhile gather 250-plus speakers from 50 countries to share valuable exchanges and insights with a curious business audience motivated to draw on international experience applied to an African-centric context. 

 

The GITEX Africa Digital Summit will lead ten conference tracks comprising 140-plus hours of mind-stretching content exploring the most pertinent transformational topics advancing Africa’s digital agenda, from generative AI and digital cities, or Fintech and agritech, to healthcare, energy, innovation, sustainable development goals, and a spotlight on the world’s most exciting start-up ecosystem.

 

GITEX Africa 2023 is open from 11:30am to 6:00pm on 31st May, and from 10:00am to 6:00pm on the 1st and 2nd June.  Admission is for trade professionals only with a special invitation for students aged 16 years and older on day three.

 

More information is available at www.gitexafrica.com.

 

-ENDS-

 

Website:

https://www.gitexafrica.com/

Shure to Showcase Audio Solutions for Hybrid Work at Inaugural GITEX Africa 2023 Tech Event

Shure to Showcase Audio Solutions for Hybrid Work at Inaugural GITEX Africa 2023 Tech Event

GITEX Global, the world’s largest and most inclusive tech event will debut GITEX AFRICA (www.GITEXAfrica.com) in Marrakesh, Morocco from 31 May through 2 June 2023. Shure will be present at the continent’s largest tech event show and will demonstrate its latest audio solutions for the AV conferencing and professional audio industry. Shure’s presence at GITEX AFRICA 2023 reinforces the importance of high-quality audio technology for IT managers and AV decision-makers, while strengthening connections with key customers, partners, and industry friends.

 

Shure understands that organizations around the world need scalable, user-friendly audio solutions to facilitate seamless collaboration as they continue to help remote and hybrid workforces ensure long-term success. To address these needs, Shure continues to innovate and enhance its conferencing technology to empower teams with clear, high-quality audio so that, no matter where the workforce is, they communicate efficiently and remain more engaged and productive than ever.

A long-time participant of GITEX Global, Shure has been providing audio solutions for companies throughout Africa for decades. In 2019, the UM6P (https://apo-opa.info/3HeE7Za) in Morocco turned to Shure to outfit their modular classrooms with Microflex® Advanced™ Ceiling Array Microphones to provide pristine audio capture for remote learners and teachers, all before remote and hybrid environments were a daily occurrence. The high-quality audio solution enabled teachers to wander around the classroom and be as free as possible while still capturing students’ questions without picking up any ambient noise. The seamless integration of the ceiling array microphones led to an interactive learning experience for everyone involved.

“We offer smart meeting room solutions for different scale of classrooms and meeting space” said Yassine Mannai, Senior Sales Manager, Middle East and Africa at Shure. “We understand the need for high-quality audio products in any environment, including professional audio applications, and are excited to showcase a range of smart solutions at GITEX AFRICA.”

We offer smart meeting room solutions for different scale of classrooms and meeting space

For decades, expert engineers and sound techs have relied on Shure Wireless Systems for live broadcasts and in challenging RF environments. Most recently, teams relied on Axient® Digital Wireless Systems for Super Bowl LVII and the GRAMMY® Awards to deliver pristine audio for everyone tuning in to watch the live events.

Axient Digital was developed with input from top audio professionals, with every feature being stress-tested and every detail fine-tuned. Designed to maximize stability, quality, control, and scalability, Axient Digital is engineered for the moments that command the highest degree of attention.

Shure will showcase the following innovations, conferencing solutions, and partnerships at the trade show:

 

  • Microflex® Ecosystem (https://apo-opa.info/3Lvg0Ig) —Offers the complete portfolio of networked and superior audio solutions, from DSP to loudspeakers, that can be perfectly tailored to meet the needs of any AV infrastructure. For corporations, governments, universities, or larger organizations, Microflex Ecosystem provides a best-in-class experience, ensuring meetings and conferences work as effectively as possible within any space.
    • Microflex® Advance™ MXA920 Ceiling Array Microphone (https://apo-opa.info/3LvoZsU)—The latest addition to the Microflex ecosystem and new flagship product, MXA920 ensures easy deployment and unmatched voice capture. It seamlessly integrates with other conferencing platforms and passed the Frost & Sullivan Analyst Gauntlet.
  • Stem Ecosystem (https://apo-opa.info/3n06fZo)—The enhanced ecosystem, reconfigured with several recent firmware updates, is ideal for situations that require straightforward, deployable audio solutions for daily conferencing needs. Small businesses and smaller meeting rooms within the context of a larger AV project can enjoy a consistent and effective audio experience with Stem Ecosystem devices.
  • Axient Digital Wireless System (https://apo-opa.info/41XvvOv)—Incorporates the most innovative wireless technology to date while providing improved high-performance RF, exceptional audio quality, control, and hardware scalability. Catering to the evolving needs of the television, broadcast and film industries, Axient Digital provides two lines of transmitters, AD series and ADX series, along with additional accessories and software to give users more control and provide real-time monitoring of network control and products without interrupting the live event.
    • AD600 (https://apo-opa.info/3ozPR1W)—The latest addition to Axient Digital, offers real-time, wide-band spectrum scanning and monitoring from 174 MHz to 2.0 GHz, spectrum analysis, and frequency coordination in a single rack unit. Six antenna connections deliver multiple coverage options while Dante connectivity provides advanced audio monitoring of any network.
  • IntelliMix® Room integrated in Crestron XiO (https://apo-opa.info/3n5e8wA)—IntelliMix Room software now supports remote monitoring and management within the Crestron XiO Cloud® platform, enabling insight into IntelliMix Room and any connected MXA products on the same network, delivering a seamless AV conferencing experience.
  • Microsoft Teams Compatibility (https://apo-opa.info/3L9W4ct)—With a portfolio that now includes the complete audio signal chain from microphone to DSP to loudspeaker, Shure provides certified audio solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms environments of all sizes.
  • Flexible solutions with Barco (https://apo-opa.info/3L8w1m3)—Connected with USB, the Shure Audio Ecosystem and Barco ClickShare Conference give users a range of scalable and flexible audio options that adapt to any environment.
  • From the desk to the meeting room with Zoom (https://apo-opa.info/41FRt8X)—Shure now delivers a complete audio ecosystem certified for Zoom. Seamlessly connect microphones, DSPs, and loudspeakers including MXA920 and MV7 to Zoom’s technology platform to upgrade the participant’s audio experience.

 

For more information about Shure’s systems offerings, please visit: www.GITEXAfrica.com or stop by the Shure booth Hall 2 2C-50 on the GITEX AFRICA 2023 show floor.

Global tech pioneers and innovators look to supercharge double-digit business growth across Africa

Global tech pioneers and innovators look to supercharge double-digit business growth across Africa

 

International powerhouse brands turn to inaugural GITEX Africa 2023 as launchpad to scale operations in the world’s next biggest digital economy

Global tech pioneers and innovators are preparing to supercharge double-digit business growth across Africa, as they eagerly anticipate the debut of the continent’s largest and most inclusive tech and start-up event in Marrakech, Morocco.

GITEX Africa will open doors for the first time from 31 May-2 June 2023, welcoming 500 exhibitors and 400 start-ups from 95 countries, with regional and international companies exuberant about the potential of the world’s rising tech continent, and the opportunities amplified by Africa’s ongoing Digital Transformation Strategy.

Among those spearheading the charge into African tech’s showpiece event is Japanese headquartered Epson; American giants Autodesk, Honeywell, Hewlett Packard, Dell, ESRi, Nutanix, Cisco and Shure; Lenovo, Huawei, and TP Link from China; along with DP World and the Technology Innovation Institute from the UAE.

With the African Union’s bold mission to unify the continent into a secure Digital Single Market by 2030, GITEX Africa exhibitors waxed lyrical about the proliferation of trends shaping the continent’s tech ecosystem, from increased internet connectivity and a rampant start-up scene, to the rise of AI and Machine Learning and a flourishing fintech sector.

These growth drivers span multiple verticals, from government services or sustainable energy and finance, to healthcare, agriculture, telecoms and education, fuelling an African tech market that, according to analysts, is on track to scale from US$115 billion in 2021 to US$712 billion by 2050.

Epson, the international technology company with 11 offices across the region, and nearly US$9 billion in global revenue in 2022, is among those looking to accelerate its intra-continental reach via GITEX Africa 2023. Neil Colquhoun, Vice President for Epson CISMETA, said a third of its MEA revenue is generated in Africa, with robust plans to fast-track regional growth.

“We have a long-term strategic vision to grow the MEA market,” said Colquhoun. “We’re committed to doubling our business from 2018 to 2025, and we’re well on track to achieving that. Ideally, we’ll try and double it again up to 2030, and a huge amount of that growth is going to be in Africa.”
Colquhoun said Epson’s core focus is on sustainability, with the company investing 100 billion yen (US$760 million) every year on developing sustainable technologies, whether for printers, projectors, scanners, smart glasses or wearable technology.

“We believe we can improve the lives of Africans and businesses,” he added. “Our printing technology is heat free for example, which equates to 83% reduction in power consumption which is critical in Africa where there are energy resource challenges. At GITEX Africa, we’ll show our entire range applicable to multiple verticals, from education, banking and healthcare, to textile manufacturing, retail, government and commercial.”

Amplifying Africa’s digital opportunity through advanced IT

Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy is amplified by an increasingly educated and growing middle class, intensifying the demand for new technologies in a continent where 40 percent of the population is below the age of 15.

UAE-headquartered Mindware Group, and Datwyler IT Infra, based in Switzerland, will shine the spotlight on their IT/OT infrastructure solutions, software and services at GITEX Africa 2023, with both investing, and tapping into the vast prospects of the African market.

“Africa is a growing market for the IT industry, with increasing demand for technology solutions and services in different sectors such as agriculture, oil & gas, mining, banking & finance, healthcare, telecommunications and education,” commented Toni Azzi, Mindware Group’s General Manager.

“Africa is also a source of innovation and talent, with many companies investing in the region to meet the needs of the local market. While the IT industry in Africa is still in its early stages compared to more mature markets, it is poised for significant growth in the coming years and is becoming increasingly important for the global IT business.”

Asem Shadid, Managing Director for Datwyler IT Infra, MEA, added that AI, ML, FinTech, HealthTech, blockchain, and renewable energy are the hot topics shaping Africa’s tech scene, creating ample opportunities for companies such as Datwyler to venture and capitalise on the continent’s growth potential.

“As an innovative Swiss manufacturer with over 100 years’ experience and expertise, we continue to invest on our R&D to stay at the forefront of technological developments and innovations” said Shadid. “We are confident we can add value and bring significant impact on the development and growth of the Africa’s technology sector.

“Africa is a large, diverse continent, with a significant increase in technology adoption and entrepreneurship. African governments and organisations are uniting their digital transformation aspirations to modernise infrastructure and automate operations, and we foresee many opportunities for Datwyler since there’s a growing demand for technology and increasing global investment funds.”

Morocco – elevating Africa’s tech revolution
GITEX Africa 2023 is held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD), a strategic public entity leading the Moroccan government’s digital transformation agenda under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.

The three-day event is organised by KAOUN International, the overseas events organising company of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which organises GITEX Global, the world’s largest tech show, in Dubai UAE.

Major players from Morocco’s tech landscape have signed on for GITEX Africa, in-line with the North African country’s unifying economic mission, where 60 percent of its foreign investment is directed towards Africa.

AMDIE (The Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development), MTDS, Morocco’s first internet service provider, and Ribatis, a leading provider of e-Gov platforms for African public administrations, are among the Moroccan exhibitors with a joint mission to elevate Africa’s ‘booming’ tech revolution.

“Africa’s tech ecosystem is booming, with the focus on digital transformation surging across the continent,” commented Mohamed Fayçal Benachou, CEO of Ribatis, which will highlight at GITEX Africa its ‘Karaz Single Window’ e-Gov platform, the first low code/no code digital platform dedicated to African governments.

“Ribatis belongs to Africa, and we believe in the continent’s rich potential, offering many opportunities to build large, profitable businesses. The African population is young, fast growing, and increasingly urbanised, while rapid technology adoption makes the continent a fertile arena for innovation. GITEX Africa 2023 presents an incredible opportunity to highlight Africa’s potential to the world.”

World’s largest start-up event in Africa

GITEX Africa 2023 will feature North Star Africa, converging more than 400 start-ups and 250-plus investors from across the globe to extend engagements, build connections, and scale imaginations with key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem.

A power-packed three-day conference programme will meanwhile be spearheaded by the ONE Africa Digital Summit and the GITEX Africa CEO Forum, with dedicated tracks covering fintech, digital cities, cybersecurity, coding, youth development, energy, healthcare, and agriculture.

More information is available at www.gitexafrica.com

Secretary-General of the ITU, Mr. Houlin Zhao Commends Pantami As He Bags Dubai World Trade Centre Award

Secretary-General of the ITU, Mr. Houlin Zhao Commends Pantami As He Bags Dubai World Trade Centre Award

 

Recognising the role, the Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) is playing globally to foster a digital economy, which has been commended by world leaders such as His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the outgoing Secretary-General of the ITU, Mr. Houlin Zhao, Executive Chairman, ID4Africa, Mr. Joseph Atick, among others.
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organizers of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition Conference (GITEX), and the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC) added another feather to the cap of Minister Pantami today. The DWTC officially presented a LEADERSHIP AWARD to Prof Pantami in recognition of the role Pantami is playing in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
It is on record that under the supervisory leadership of Pantami, the ICT sector attained the position of the fastest growing sector of Nigeria’s economy according to the report provided by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The sector pulled Nigeria out of the COVID-19-induced recession.

In the same vein, within the stewardship of Pantami, Nigeria witnessed an unprecedented rapid increase in broadband penetration, a rapid increase in digital identity, and a rapid decrease in the cost of mobile data.

It is no surprise that the ITU found it worthy of appointing the Nigerian Minister as the chairman of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2022. Mr. Haolin Zhao went further to call on other African leaders to emulate Pantami in prioritizing commitment to their official duties.

Similarly, in the same feat, His Excellency, President Buhari singled out Minister Pantami’s innovative, doggedness, and resolute approach to duty. ” I commend the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), for the landmark achievements of the digital economy sector and his commitment to carrying out his responsibility of developing the sector, including championing the growth of the indigenous telecom sector and NIN-SIM registration process. I also commend the industry stakeholders for their support for the sector.”
Under the leadership of Pantami, 19 National policies have been formulated and are currently being implemented. This is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. The developmental regulation approach of Pantami has provided the enabling environment that supports rather than stifles development. Nigeria becoming the first country in Africa and one of the first in the world to introduce a digital currency to her citizens is a testament to that.

The digital economy sector in Nigeria under the supervision of Prof Pantami is playing an important role in improving security, fighting corruption, and developing the Nation’s economy. Unregistered or improperly registered SIM cards have been deactivated, IT projects are being cleared to ensure interoperability and transparency in governance in line with digital Nigeria policy and strategy.