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GITEX AFRICA 2024 powers cross continental quest for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) future as region prepares for new digital era

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GITEX AFRICA

70 percent surge in year-on-year growth at Africa’s largest tech and start-up show in Morocco supercharges the epic African race to define its own digital dynasty

MARRAKECH, Morocco, May 16, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa’s meteoric rise as an emergent international force in digital transformation coupled with the epic AI opportunity sweeping the globe is set to propel a new era of public-private sector investment collaboration when the continent’s largest tech and start-up event opens in Morocco this month.

The 2nd edition of GITEX AFRICA, from 29-31 May 2024 in the vibrant city of Marrakech, shall converge global leaders and experts, governments, businesses, big tech, start-ups, investors, and academia from 130 countries to catalyse partnerships and advance the future ambitions of a continent determined to elevate its entrepreneurial innovation economy.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, May God Assist Him, GITEX AFRICA is held under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD).

Africa’s blockbuster tech showpiece event 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.

With the final preparations underway for a purpose-built mega venue in the heart of Marrakech, GITEX AFRICA 2024 will span 21 halls featuring 1,400 international exhibiting companies – a 70 percent year-on-year increase over the event’s record-breaking debut 2023. 

This is the year of the AI phenomenon and its tantalising all-purpose capabilities to transform diverse sectors, from cybersecurity, cloud and IoT, to finance, telecoms, agriculture, and education, amplifying hopes of greater prosperity in the world’s second most populous continent.  AI’s impact on health tech has also spurred the launch of World Future Health Africa, accelerating the continent’s ascending digital health revolution.

More than 700 of the most outstanding global start-ups from 45 countries, including 200 Moroccan start-ups, will also feature at GITEX AFRICA’s North Star Africa start-up showcase, turbo-charging a great investment revival in a resilient and vibrant start-up ecosystem that is estimated to raise US$10 billion in VC funds by 2025.

These award-winning game-changers will connect with 350 investors from 35 countries with US$200 billion worth of assets under management. Now the vital barometer of tech’s massive cross-continental advances, GITEX AFRICA 2024 shall unify the global tech community’s commitment to accelerate a responsible future in the world’s burgeoning Silicon Valley. 

Addressing media at the show’s official preview press conference this Wednesday, May 15, 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 organiser KAOUN International.

In attendance were GITEX AFRICA’s official institutional partners: the ANRT (Moroccan National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency), ONDA (National Airports Office), OCP, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF (Moroccan National Railway Office), and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).

The second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco falls within the framework of the unwavering efforts made by our country in the field of digital transition

Ms. Ghita Mezzour, Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, said: “The second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco falls within the framework of the unwavering efforts made by our country in the field of digital transition, in alignment with the Royal Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, who stressed on the importance to optimally leverage the enormous development opportunities digital transition provides for African countries.” Adding: “This edition will further consolidate Morocco’s position as a regional digital hub, thus creating an environment conducive to attracting more investments and stimulating job creation. “

Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, said: “This 2nd edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco is even more ambitious and inclusive, as it responds first and foremost to the enthusiasm it has aroused around the world, and in more ways than one has affirmed Morocco’s positioning as a key hub in the world of technological innovation and the attractiveness of foreign investment in the promising digital sector. This year, just as many themes and sector niches will be highlighted, such as AI, reflecting the growing interest in the new global professions of technological innovation”.

Igniting talent development, catalysing a Pan-African tech rush

AI’s existential prospects and ability to leap-frog traditional barriers of economic development in Africa will dominate discussions at GITEX AFRICA 2024, catalysing a trans-continental tech rush across diverse industries, from cloud and IOT, cybersecurity, digital health, and future finance, to consumer tech, digital cities, and telecoms.

Tech leaders estimate the AI boom will add US$1.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, boosting the continent’s GDP by 5.6 percent, and accelerating the need for urgent digital discourses to deploy the shape shifting tech that is both sustainable and ethical.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said: “The recent developments in AI have created new opportunities and impetus for Africa in its digital transformation mission.

“Hosted in a continent adept at leapfrogging in critical industries, GITEX AFRICA Morocco presents governments, business leaders and talents with unparalleled access to new information and expert knowledge, and big opportunities in digital convergence. This shall empower them to co-create new strategies and solutions for the betterment of society.”

Government ministers, digital visionaries tackle Africa’s pressing tech challenges   

Africa’s most progressive leadership conference programme will meanwhile gather 450-plus speakers from 70 countries, to debate, scrutinise, and tackle the greatest tech challenges and opportunities in the world’s second largest continent with bold ambitions to co-create and define its own Pan-African digital roadmap.

The GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit returns, leading ten conference stages comprising 280-plus hours of mind-stretching content advancing Africa’s digital movement. Impactful agendas will explore government policy and regulation, connectivity, digital cities and future finance, cybersecurity and health tech’s transformative opportunity, along with fast-tracking the world’s most exciting start-up ecosystem and challenging the realities of AI mania.

GITEX AFRICA 2024 is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Admission is for pre-registered 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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

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Telecoming Strengthens Its Presence in Africa with the Launch of DCB Software South Africa

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The company advances its regional strategy with a model built on AI, monetisation and direct connectivity with local operators

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 11, 2026/APO Group/ –Telecoming (www.Telecoming.com), a global technology company specialising in the monetisation of digital services, announces the launch of DCB Software South Africa (www.DCBSoftwareZA.com), its new local subsidiary. The move reinforces the company’s growth strategy in Africa, one of the most promising markets in the mobile economy.

The new entity will be led by Javier de Corral, who will lead business development, establish partnerships with telecom operators and build a local team based in Johannesburg.

The South African launch builds on Telecoming’s existing footprint in the continent, where it already operates through its Algerian subsidiary, DCB Software Dzayer, further strengthening its regional position.

We are very excited about the opportunities in South Africa and committed to investing in its digital future

DCB Software South Africa will operate as a local hub focused on AI-driven digital services, supported by a team entirely based in the country. Its scope includes the development of digital products, mobile and web services, as well as solutions in digital entertainment and marketplaces, all built on scalable, multi-device platforms designed to ensure a seamless user experience.

The subsidiary combines in-depth knowledge of the South African and Sub-Saharan markets with direct access to telecom operators, digital platforms and local payment solutions. It will deploy multiple monetisation models, including Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), to optimise conversion rates and overall performance.

The launch of DCB Software South Africa marks a key milestone in our global expansion strategy”, said Cyrille Thivat, CEO of Telecoming. “We are very excited about the opportunities in South Africa and committed to investing in its digital future. With Javier de Corral at the helm, we are confident that this new subsidiary will not only drive our local growth but also contribute to the broader digital and AI ecosystem.”

Telecoming develops technology designed to enhance user acquisition, streamline payment processes and improve the performance of digital services. Its platforms integrate monetisation, advertising and user experience, leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver secure, scalable and efficient solutions.

This expansion reinforces Telecoming’s commitment to delivering innovative digital and AI services and strengthens its position as a key player in the African market. With this launch, the company takes another step in its international expansion, enhancing its ability to support the development of Africa’s digital ecosystem through advanced technology, local expertise and strategic partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Telecoming.

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Enlit Africa 2026 makes 20 May the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) delivery day across power, water and clean energy hubs

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Taking place 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group, convenes utilities, municipalities, large energy users, financiers, developers and technology providers to focus on what shifts outcomes in African infrastructure

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 11, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa 2026 will put commercial and industrial delivery front and center on Wednesday 20 May with a dedicated line-up across the Power HubWater Hub and Renewable Energy & Storage Hub. The day is built for decision-makers who must keep operations running, secure reliable supply, manage risk and move projects from concept to implementation.

 

Taking place 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group, convenes utilities, municipalities, large energy users, financiers, developers and technology providers to focus on what shifts outcomes in African infrastructure.

On 20 May, the programme is anchored by the keynote, “How a coordinated energy/water plan could change African resilience” (09:30–11:45), positioning water and energy as interlinked operational risks that can no longer be managed in silos. From there, the day breaks into practical tracks tailored for large users and the solution partners that support them.

In the Renewable Energy & Storage Hub, sessions focus on the realities of C&I adoption and delivery at scale, including “Project implementation for multi-megawatt C&I projects” (11:45–13:00) and “Clean energy adoption in the C&I market” (14:30–15:45), before turning to fleet electrification and operations with “Mobility: Management of electric vehicle fleets for C&I” (16:00–17:30).

In the Water Hub, the agenda targets the technologies and operating models that matter most to industrial continuity and compliance. Sessions include “Next-generation water treatment technologies” (11:45–13:00), “Advanced water treatment & smart water systems” (14:30–15:45) and “Accelerating water technology deployment for C&I operations” (16:30–17:30).

Together, the three stages create a single day of high-signal, implementation-led content for C&I leaders, utilities, municipalities and suppliers focused on operational performance, investment readiness and delivery discipline.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Nigeria’s Upstream Reform Program Captures 40% of Africa’s Final Investment Decision (FID) Activity After a Decade on the Margins

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A government three-year review documents how executive action under President Tinubu reversed a decade of upstream decline

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Nigeria has gone from capturing 4% of Africa’s upstream final investment decisions (FIDs) to commanding 40% in two years, according to Nigeria’s Energy Sector Reforms 2023-2026: A Three-Year Review, published by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy and spearheaded by Special Adviser Olu Verheijen. The $50 billion project pipeline now in development beyond 2026 points to sustained capital commitment at a scale not seen in the Nigerian upstream for at least a decade.

 

Between 2014 and 2023, Nigeria was among the continent’s weakest performers for upstream FIDs despite holding 37.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the second-largest endowment in Africa. Algeria captured 44% of African upstream FIDs during that period, Angola held 26%, while Nigeria trailed Mozambique, Ghana, Senegal and Namibia. In the third quarter of 2022, crude production briefly dropped below one million barrels per day, as years of underinvestment, pipeline vandalism and regulatory ambiguity compounded each other. However, reforms instituted by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu have dramatically turned this trend around. Through deliberate and coordinated steps, the government has reset the trajectory.

Addressing Fiscal Terms, Regulatory Scope and Contracting Speed

President Bola Tinubu’s administration moved simultaneously on fiscal terms and regulatory architecture. Policy directives in 2023 clarified the boundary of jurisdiction between the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), resolving an ambiguity that had complicated project sanctioning. Presidential Directive 40 introduced targeted tax incentives, and a separate Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Production in 2024 was designed to draw international oil companies (IOCs) back into capital-intensive, long-cycle deepwater projects. The VAT Modification Order 2024 and Upstream Cost Efficiency Order 2025 addressed the cost structures that had rendered marginal projects uneconomic. NNPCL contracting timelines were compressed from 36 months to a maximum of six months.

Four Divestments Transferred Onshore Control to Indigenous Operators

In parallel, the administration deployed targeted security directives and accelerated ministerial consents for four IOC asset transfers. Renaissance acquired Shell’s onshore portfolio. Seplat Energy completed its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian upstream interests. Oando took over from Agip, and Chappal acquired Equinor’s local assets. The four transactions totaled approximately $4 billion. The transfer of onshore and shallow-water blocks to indigenous operators contributed directly to production recovery. Output rose by approximately 400,000 barrels per day between 2023 and 2025 to reach 1.6 million barrels per day, the highest onshore production level in 20 years.

When a government rebuilds fiscal competitiveness and regulatory predictability at the same time, capital responds

Signed Projects Total $10 Billion, With a $50 Billion Pipeline Beyond

The reforms produced a concrete FID response from Shell and TotalEnergies. Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) sanctioned the $5 billion Bonga North deepwater development in December 2024 and committed a further $2 billion to the HI Non-Associated Gas (NAG) project. TotalEnergies and NNPCL took a joint FID on the $550 million Ubeta gas field development in June 2024.

Together those three commitments account for more than $10 billion in signed investment after a decade of near-zero sanctioning activity. The pipeline beyond 2026 spans a further $50 billion across 11 projects including Bonga South West, Owowo, Usan and Erha. Nigeria approved 28 field development plans valued at $18.2 billion in 2025 alone, targeting an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of reserves.

“When a government rebuilds fiscal competitiveness and regulatory predictability at the same time, capital responds,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Nigeria has done both, and the FID numbers are concrete proof.”

The Counterfactual Illustrates How Much Was at Stake

The presentation includes a no-reform projection that puts the gains in context. Without intervention, total crude and condensate production was on track to fall from 1.371 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2022 to 579,000 by 2030. Under the reform trajectory, output reached 1.77 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026, with a stated government target of 3 million barrels per day. Export gas utilization rose 39% over the same period, while domestic utilization grew by 7%.

The durability of these gains will be tested by two factors: whether the institutional architecture put in place under the Tinubu administration holds over the long term, and whether the deepwater commitments signed in 2024 and 2025 advance to execution on schedule. The project pipeline is large enough that partial delivery would still represent a generational shift in Nigeria’s upstream output profile.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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