GITEX AFRICA Morocco unveils Strategic Digital Defence AI Readiness STAR Summit

STAR Summit GITEX AFRICA Morocco on AI Cyber Defence

-       In partnership with Morocco’s General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI), the STAR Summit will empower African businesses, industries, and emerging digital economies to safeguard critical infrastructure against evolving, AI-driven cyber threats.

Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and under the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, GITEX AFRICA Morocco will take place in Marrakech from 7 to 9 April 2026 , in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and organised by KAOUN International , the global organiser of GITEX events.

Amid an escalating regional threat landscape, the STAR Summit will convene Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem for a strategic dialogue on digital defence, equipping governments and enterprises to protect critical infrastructure, counter AI-driven threats, and strengthen digital resilience.

Brigadier General Abdellah Boutrig, Director General of the DGSSI , said:
“The unprecedented pace of global digital transformation has—albeit unintentionally—elevated cybersecurity to one of humanity’s most profound challenges, compelling nations to stay ahead of the curve to protect their economies, institutions, industries, and citizens.

We are witnessing an increasingly industrialised threat landscape across Africa: massive-scale cyberattacks, financial losses amounting to billions, and organised, cyber-enabled fraud at levels never seen before.

This is why, through the DGSSI’s collaboration with GITEX AFRICA Morocco on the STAR Summit, we are advancing practical readiness for a new era of threat mitigation. This effort is essential—because cyber resilience is no longer a technical ambition, but a national security imperative for all.”

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, added: “As Africa’s digital economy matures, strengthening cyber resilience is imperative for nurturing socio-economic prosperity and safeguarding citizens, public services and national security frameworks. In partnership with the Moroccan DGSSI, STAR Summit reflects our shared ambition to amplify Africa’s digital potential, accelerate secure progress and empower governments, enterprises and innovators to confidently navigate an evolving AI-driven threat landscape.”

Live from the GITEX AFRICA Morocco main stage on Wednesday 8 April, STAR Summit will welcome leading regional and international experts to discuss the most critical industry trends and topics, from cyber governance, investments, talent and skills gaps to data security, offensive AI, defensive AI, quantum computing implications and real-world cybercrime incidents.

Top confirmed speakers include H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General, Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Ghana; David Kanamugire, CEO, National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), Rwanda; H.E. Tigist Hamid Mohammed, Director-General, Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Ethiopia; Justin Williams, Group CISO, MTN Group, South Africa; and Amit Ghodekar, Global CISO, Aramex, UAE.

Beyond STAR Summit, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026 also presents an expanded cybersecurity showcase, hosting enterprises and distributors protecting critical infrastructure through next-generation solutions. Must-visit exhibitors include Kaspersky, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Forcepoint, Starlink and CyberKnight Technologies.

For news and updates on GITEX AFRICA Morocco , please visit: www.gitexafrica.com.

Media Contact:
Sean Muir, Director – PR
Sean.muir@dwtc.com

PR Media:

Sami Saber – Media relations director

Tel.: + 212 66 139 9976
Sami.saber@dprgroup.ma

About KAOUN International
KAOUN International is the independent events company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) established to organize and manage events internationally. Derived from the Arabic word ‘universe’, KAOUN International’s mission is to ‘Create Limitless Connections’ for the industries and markets in which it operates. Created to leverage the 40-year legacy of DWTC’s events management business and drive future MICE sector opportunity in the MENASA region. KAOUN International delivers game-changing live experiences that build robust business connections, create opportunity, and stimulate economic growth, building on DWTC’s extensive portfolio of business and consumer events spanning multiple sectors, including technology, food and hospitality, sustainability, broadcast and satellite, automotive, talent development and leisure marine.

About GITEX AFRICA Morocco
GITEX Africa Morocco is the largest and most influential technology and startup event on the African continent, bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to shape the future of Africa’s digital economy. Hosted under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and organised by KAOUN International in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform and the Digital Development Agency (ADD), the event serves as a gateway to Africa’s burgeoning tech sector. Held annually in Marrakech, GITEX Africa Morocco provides an unparalleled platform for showcasing breakthrough innovations across artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, healthtech, agritech, connectivity, edutech and digital public infrastructure. The event fosters strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and high-impact collaborations, reinforcing Africa’s position as a global hub for technology and digital transformation.

For more information, visit https://www.gitexafrica.com