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Marrakech to Host African Cyber Defense Summit Focused on Artificial Intelligence as Part of GITEX Africa 2026
Organizers of GITEX Africa Morocco have announced the launch of a new summit titled “Strategic Readiness for Digital Defense with Artificial Intelligence” (STAR Summit), in partnership with the General Directorate for Information Systems Security in Morocco. This initiative aims to enhance the ability of African nations and institutions to address the growing cyber threats.
The summit is scheduled to be held in Marrakech on April 8, 2026, during the upcoming edition of GITEX Africa, which will take place from April 7 to 9 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI. The event is organized by KAOUN International in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and the Digital Development Agency.
This initiative aligns with the increasing frequency and complexity of digital attacks, particularly with the expansion of artificial intelligence technologies. The summit will serve as a platform for strategic dialogue among governments, industry players, and cybersecurity experts to discuss ways to protect critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of digital systems in Africa.
Lieutenant General Abdallah Boutrik, Director General of the General Directorate for Information Systems Security, stated that the accelerating global digital transformation has made cybersecurity one of the foremost challenges facing nations. He emphasized that the rise of cyberattacks and their broader scope in Africa necessitates greater preparedness and collaboration to combat these risks.
He also pointed out that large-scale cyberattacks have become increasingly common, resulting in financial losses amounting to billions of dollars, along with the emergence of new forms of organized digital fraud. This makes enhancing defensive readiness vital for protecting economies, institutions, and citizens.
Trixie Loh Mirrmand, CEO of KAOUN International, confirmed that the growth of the digital economy in Africa necessitates strengthening cybersecurity resilience as a prerequisite for supporting economic and social development. She outlined that the STAR summit aims to empower governments, institutions, and innovators to confidently navigate a changing digital threat landscape driven by artificial intelligence technologies.
The summit will feature prominent officials and cybersecurity experts from various countries, including Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE government, Divine Selasi Agbiety, Director General of the Cybersecurity Authority in Ghana, David Kanamugire, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Authority in Rwanda, and Tigist Hamid Mohammed, Director General of the Information Network Security Administration in Ethiopia. Notable figures from MTN Group and Aramex will also participate.
Additionally, the summit will address various issues related to digital security governance, investments in cybersecurity protection, addressing skills shortages, data security, and the impacts of quantum computing, along with highlighting real-world examples of cybercrimes witnessed in different countries.
Alongside the summit, the 2026 edition of GITEX Africa will expand the exhibition space dedicated to cybersecurity solutions, featuring international companies specializing in developing digital infrastructure protection technologies, including Kaspersky, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Forcepoint, Starlink, and CyberKnight Technologies.
GITEX Africa Morocco is the largest technological event aimed at startups on the continent, bringing together industry leaders, decision-makers, and investors annually to discuss the future of the African digital economy and enhance collaboration and investment opportunities in advanced technology fields.
