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 Mohammed VI and under the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026 will take place in Marrakech from 7 to 9 April 2026. The event is organised by KAOUN International in partnership with the Digital Development Agency (ADD).

Amid an escalating regional threat landscape, the STAR Summit will convene Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem for a strategic dialogue on digital defence. It will equip governments and enterprises with strategies to protect critical infrastructure, counter AI-powered cyber risks and strengthen digital resilience.

Abdellah Boutrig, Director General of the General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI), said the pace of global digital transformation has unintentionally elevated cybersecurity into one of the most pressing challenges facing nations.

He noted that governments must stay ahead of emerging risks to safeguard economies, institutions, industries and citizens.

Boutrig added that Africa is witnessing an increasingly industrialised threat landscape. This includes massive-scale cyberattacks, billions in financial losses and organised cyber-enabled fraud at unprecedented levels.

He said collaboration between the DGSSI and GITEX AFRICA Morocco on the STAR Summit is aimed at advancing practical readiness for a new era of threat mitigation. According to him, cyber resilience has moved beyond a technical goal and has become a national security priority.

Meanwhile, Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said strengthening cyber resilience is essential as Africa’s digital economy continues to expand.

She said protecting citizens, public services and national security frameworks is vital for sustainable socio-economic growth. She added that the STAR Summit reflects a shared ambition to unlock Africa’s digital potential while helping governments, enterprises and innovators navigate an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.

Live from the main stage of GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026 on Wednesday, 8 April, the STAR Summit will bring together leading regional and international experts. Discussions will focus on key topics including cyber governance, investments, talent shortages, data security, offensive and defensive artificial intelligence, quantum computing implications and real-world cybercrime incidents.

Confirmed speakers include Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority; David Kanamugire, CEO of Rwanda’s National Cyber Security Authority; Tigist Hamid Mohammed, Director-General of Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Administration; Justin Williams, Group CISO at MTN Group; and Amit Ghodekar, Global CISO at Aramex.

In addition, GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2026 will host an expanded cybersecurity showcase featuring companies delivering next-generation solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Exhibitors include Kaspersky, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Forcepoint, Starlink and CyberKnight Technologies.

The event is expected to bring together policymakers, cybersecurity leaders and technology innovators to address the rising risks posed by AI-driven cyber threats and strengthen Africa’s collective cyber resilience.

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