Marrakech will host a major cybersecurity and digital defence event from 7 to 9 April as part of GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026. The event takes place under the patronage of King Mohammed VI.
For the first time, the event will feature the Strategic Digital Defence AI Readiness (STAR) Summit, focusing on cybersecurity challenges linked to artificial intelligence. The summit aims to bring together leading African experts to discuss the protection of critical infrastructure and digital resilience.
The STAR Summit is organised with Morocco’s Directorate General of Information Systems Security (DGSSI). It is held in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the Moroccan Digital Development Agency, and KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
Cyber threats are becoming more complex across Africa. Brigadier General Abdellah Boutrig, director of DGSSI, said the rise of digital transformation has made cybersecurity a top priority for governments.
“Cyberattacks, industrialised threats, and online fraud are increasing. Institutions and businesses need stronger prevention and response capabilities,” he said.
The summit will cover governance, investments in digital defence, data security, AI-related cyber risks, and the skills needed to respond to new threats. Emerging topics such as quantum computing and the offensive and defensive uses of AI will also be discussed.
The summit will bring together officials from countries including the UAE, Ghana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, along with cybersecurity leaders from major international companies. Sessions from the main stage will be broadcast live on 8 April.
GITEX AFRICA 2026 will feature a significantly larger cybersecurity exhibition. Companies and startups will display solutions for protecting critical infrastructure and digital systems.
Key international companies include:
- Fortinet – network and cloud security
- Check Point Software Technologies – threat prevention
- Huawei Technologies – telecom and data centre security
- Kaspersky – regional threat analysis
- Trend Micro – cloud security and ransomware defence
Notable African startups include:
- Cypherleak (Morocco) – cyber risk monitoring
- Smile Identity (Nigeria) – biometric identity verification
- Entersekt (South Africa) – secure banking transactions
- YouVerify (Nigeria) – compliance solutions for banks and fintech
International regulators, such as the UAE Cyber Security Council and Ethiopia’s INSA, will also attend.
