GITEX Africa 2026 launches STAR summit on AI-driven cyber threats

Tuesday 07 April 2026 - 12:00

By: Dakir Madiha

GITEX Africa 2026 launches STAR summit on AI-driven cyber threats

GITEX Africa Morocco 2026 will introduce a new cybersecurity forum during its upcoming edition in Marrakech, as concerns grow over the impact of artificial intelligence on digital security across Africa.

The Strategic Digital Defence AI Readiness Summit, known as the STAR Summit, is organized in partnership with General Directorate for Information Systems Security. The initiative will bring together government officials, cybersecurity authorities, and private sector leaders to address rising risks targeting critical infrastructure and digital systems.

The summit reflects increasing urgency around cybersecurity as digital adoption accelerates. According to DGSSI, the rapid expansion of digital technologies has created new vulnerabilities that affect economies, institutions, and citizens.

DGSSI Director General Abdellah Boutrig said cyber threats across Africa have intensified in scale and complexity. He pointed to large-scale attacks, financial losses worth billions, and the growth of organized cyber-enabled fraud.

He said the partnership behind the STAR Summit aims to strengthen preparedness and improve coordinated responses to evolving threats. He stressed that cyber resilience now represents a national security priority rather than a purely technical concern.

The summit will take place on April 8 as part of the broader GITEX program. Discussions will cover cybersecurity governance, investment gaps, skills shortages, and the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Participants will examine real-world cyber incidents and assess how governments and companies can respond to increasingly sophisticated attacks. The event will also feature international cybersecurity leaders, including Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Divine Selase Agbeti, David Kanamugire, and Tigist Hamid Mohammed.

Private sector experts will also contribute, including Justin Williams and Amit Ghodekar, reflecting collaboration between public and corporate stakeholders.

Trixie LohMirmand said the initiative comes at a critical stage for Africa’s digital economy. She noted that strengthening cyber resilience is essential to protect public services, economic growth, and national security frameworks as digital systems expand.

Beyond the summit, the event will feature an expanded cybersecurity exhibition area. Companies including Kaspersky, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Forcepoint will present solutions designed to secure enterprise systems and infrastructure. Starlink and CyberKnight Technologies are also expected to participate.

The fourth edition of GITEX Africa Morocco continues to position the event as a key platform for addressing digital transformation challenges across the continent, with cybersecurity now emerging as a central focus.