A delegation of 5 EIC-backed companies participated in GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech (Morocco) from 14-16 April 2025. The companies showcased their innovative solutions in agri-tech, blockchain, renewable energy, health and biometrics, bringing them closer to new markets. This mission, facilitated by the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0, marked the EIC’s inaugural presence at Africa’s largest tech fair. Hosted by Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), GITEX Africa attracts tech giants, investors, start-ups, and unicorns from Africa and beyond.

For its third edition, GITEX Africa attracted a record of over 45,000 attendees from over 130 countries. From the EIC Pavilion opening ceremony with leading government officials to the special visit by Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform H.E. Amal El Fallah – Seghrouchni, Minister of Equipment and Water H.E. Nizar Baraka, and football legends Raphaël Varane, Robert Pirès, and Bafé Gomis, the EIC Pavilion has been at the centre stage of start-up innovation.

In anticipation of their participation to GITEX Africa 2025, the 5 selected companies received tailored coaching and matchmaking support through the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0. There were numerous pre-arranged business meetings for the selected EIC companies to foster connections and collaborations. In addition, all selected companies were featured in speaking opportunities both at the EIC Pavilion and the official conference programme.

During this first participation at GITEX Africa 2025, the EIC delegation was joined by European Commission’s representatives from the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), and four initiatives fostering collaboration between Europe and Africa continents: Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), Euraxess, ENRICH in Africa, and SEADE.

These three days at GITEX Africa were highlighted by several key events, including the inauguration of the EIC Pavilion and a series of presentations and panels covering topics from EIC funding opportunities to how to set up an office in Morocco and grow your business in Africa.

EIC Pavilion official opening

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at GITEX Africa 2025 set the stage for an exceptional event. This edition had the presence of Stéphane Ouaki, Head of Department at the European Innovation Council, EU Ambassador to Morocco H.E. Patricia Llombart, Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation  with Asia, Pacific, Africa and the Middle East at the European Commission’s DG RTD, and Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO at KAOUN International.

Agenda highlights

Panels at the EIC Pavilion

Throughout the week, a number of panels at the EIC Pavilion covered topics ranging from setting up your office in Morocco and growing your business in Africa to building climate-resilient value chains in the continent. These discussions tackled critical topics bringing together our 5 selected companies and key stakeholders, including investors, start-ups, policymakers, and major companies.

Panel: Expand your horizons - Setting up your office in Morocco

This panel explored the needs and potential challenges of European deep tech companies in setting up operations in Morocco. It covered key aspects such as navigating the local environment, accessing funding and investment opportunities, and understanding the market dynamics.

Panel: Building Africa's future - Sovereign digital and telecommunications infrastructures

From Al-ready data centres to satellite-based connectivity and startup-driven platforms, this session unpacked the building blocks of a truly sovereign digital future for Africa.

Panel: From production to global shelve - How agro-ecology and value chain innovation are elevating African exports

This session discussed how impact-driven businesses are transforming African agricultural ecosystems, from regenerative African production to high-value product development and entry into internal markets.

Panel: Grow your business in Africa – A European perspective

This session explored how European businesses can successfully expand into African markets through innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships. Experts from France and Germany shared insights on market opportunities and collaboration in key sectors.

Panel: Green by design - Building climate-resilient value chains in Africa

This panel explored how clean energy, agro-ecology, and carbon-smart solutions are reshaping agricultural and industrial value chains across Africa. From regenerative farming and solar-powered infrastructure to carbon valorisation, speakers unpacked how we can build sustainable, scalable, and export-ready ecosystems.

EIC delegation presence at the official conference programme

Numerous speaking opportunities at the official conference programme featured both the European and EIC delegation representatives and the 5 selected EIC companies:

• Panel at the Main Stage with Stéphane Ouaki on “Innovative Financing Solutions and Strategic Investment Alliances”;
• Panel at the Main Stage with Nassima Ferahtia, Senior Investment Manager and EIC International Trade Fairs 3.0 Programme Coordinator, on “Driving Innovation and Research Co-Investment for Shared Prosperity”;
• Panel at the Main Stage with Yousef Yousef, EIC Board member and CEO of LG Sonic, on “The Role of DFIs and Bilateral Agencies in Mobilising Private Sector Financing”;
• Presentation at the Main Stage with Nienke Buisman on “The AU-EU Innovation Agenda and the EU-Med Cooperation on Research & Innovation”;
• Presentation at the Impact Stage with Ivan Stefanic, EIC Programme Manager for Food Chain Technologies and Novel & Sustainable Food, on “Changing Food Supply chain - one challenge at the time”;
• Workshop at the Impact Stage with Nienke Buisman, Vincenzo Lorusso, Policy Officer, EU-Africa Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation (DG R&I) on “The role of Artificial Intelligence in strengthening Research and Innovation at the Africa-Europe interface”;
• Panel at the GITEX Africa Impact Stage for selected EIC companies Brite Solar and DigiFarm on “The Internet of Seeds, Soil, Crops and Things”;
• Tech Talks presentations at the Tech Stage featuring the EIC selected companies: Aquab Nanobubble Innovations, Billon Spolka and Invis Wearables.

It is very important to be here together – the European Innovation Council and the European Commission – in Marrakech at GITEX Africa, because innovation is a key element of our cooperation between European Union and African Union.

Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation  with Asia, Pacific, Africa and the Middle East at the European Commission’s DG RTD

Reverse pitches and additional presentations

In addition to the series of panels hosted by the EIC Pavilion, the event featured reverse pitches with investors present in the MENA region, and presentations on EIC funding opportunities and the four initiatives supported by the EU fostering collaboration between Europe and Africa.

Highlights included:

• Reverse pitch sessions with Flat6Labs and EmergingTech Ventures.
• Presentation on EIC Funding opportunities for European Startups & Scaleups featuring Euroquity and Billon.
• Success story with AquaB for their participation at GITEX Global on “Strategic collaboration on water and agri-tech solutions in Nigeria”.
• Presentation “Bridging Continents - fostering Innovation and Research collaboration between Africa and Europe” featuring the four initiatives from DG RTD.

To see the highlights of this successful participation, watch our recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qRSUrKgiP4

About the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0  

The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0, part of the EIC Business Acceleration Services, supports the internationalisation of European SMEs, scaleups and startups building on the success of its predecessor, the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme (OTF) 2.0.    

For additional information, please refer to our helpdesk by choosing “EIC International Trade Fairs Programme” as the subject.   

Stay tuned!

Stay tuned on upcoming calls and find additional information  through our news, stories, and programme-related trade fairs available via the EIC Community Platform and the EIC Business Acceleration Services newsletter.

For additional information, please refer to our helpdesk by choosing “EIC International Trade Fairs Programme” as the subject.