Sustainability takes center stage in Expand North Star, as the UAE harnesses the momentum from COP28. In collaboration with GITEX Impact, Expand North Star is set to host both the Global Investment Forum and the NetZero Venture Capital Forum at the Dubai World Trade Centre. These events are poised to invigorate ESG funding, with the expectation that investors will inject $1.5-2 trillion annually into climate tech and cleantech startups by 2025.
Driving Environmental Action through Sports
Extreme E, a sanctioned international off-road racing series by the FIA, utilizes electric SUVs to compete in remote, environmentally significant locations worldwide, like the Saudi Arabian desert and the Arctic, drawing attention to various aspects of climate change. Additionally, the series maintains a “Legacy Programme” aimed at providing social and environmental support to these locales.
One of Extreme E’s standout drivers, Christina Gutiérrez, who made history as the third woman to stand on a Dakar Rally podium after a 2021 stage victory, emphasized the potential of sports in effecting positive change on the planet. In a fireside chat titled “Future of sports: making an impact on the planet,” Gutiérrez underscored her deep involvement in legacy programs during race weeks. Her previous work has included promoting innovative and sustainable approaches to building educational infrastructure, such as eco-friendly school walls, with the aim of leaving a lasting, positive impact on the environment and instilling confidence and responsibility within communities.
Furthermore, Gutiérrez encouraged women to break free from stereotypes and steadfastly pursue their ambitions, employing platforms like sports to educate and inspire their followers.
The Ascendance of Africa
Dubai World Trade Center, through its subsidiary KAOUN International, unveiled GITEX AFRICA, an initiative aimed at exploring the extensive opportunities within the continent’s tech industry. Following a successful inaugural event in May, GITEX AFRICA 2024 is set to return with a compelling lineup that promises to drive digital transformation across various industries. The 2024 edition introduces three new show profiles: digital health, smart manufacturing, and agritech, underscoring Africa’s increasing significance in the global tech landscape.
In the Spotlight Africa stream, Expand North Star hosted a panel discussion titled “Ecosystem of Investing in Africa.” Distinguished speakers, including Fernando Cabral, Chief Venture Growth at Djassi Africa, Mark Kleyner, Co-Founder and Programs Director at Dream VC, Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures, and Monica Shupikai Simmons, Head of Africa at ICON Corporate Finance, shared insights into Africa’s startup ecosystem. They highlighted that East and West Africa have set the bar for fostering a vibrant startup environment, with countries like Angola and Mozambique catching up. These emerging nations can draw from the experiences of more developed ecosystems while infusing their unique perspectives into the African tech community.
The African startup ecosystem, boasting tremendous potential, was recognized as one of the most promising globally, with a colossal market of 1.4 billion people brimming with opportunities. The panelists also emphasized the global nature of the African startup scene, with over 70 percent of VC investments in Africa originating from international investors.
Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Expand North Star reached new heights this year at its Dubai Harbour venue, marking its largest-ever edition. This landmark global gathering saw participation from over 1,800 startups across GITEX Global and Expand North Star, representing more than 100 countries, alongside approximately 1,000 investors collectively managing over US$1 trillion in assets.
