The European Innovation Council (EIC) is inviting EIC-backed start-ups, SMEs and scale-ups to be part of the EIC Pavilion at GITEX Africa 2026, taking place from 7 to 9 April 2026 in Marrakech, Morocco. As Africa’s largest and most influential tech and start-up event, GITEX Africa offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the continent’s fast-growing digital economy, with key sectors including smart cities, cybersecurity, the data economy, mobility, healthcare and telecoms. Selected companies will benefit from a curated package of support, including exhibition space at the EIC Pavilion, visibility, investor matchmaking, and tailored coaching.
Application deadline: 1 November 2025
What’s in it for you?
GITEX Africa offers direct access to emerging markets and public-private partnerships driving digital transformation in Africa. The 2025 edition demonstrated the scale of the event:
- 45,000+ attendees from 130+ countries
- 1,400+ exhibiting companies and start-ups
- 650+ government entities
- 350+ investors
- 660+ speakers, including global tech leaders, ministers, and innovators
- 1,500+ investor meetings held over three days
Africa’s digital economy has already generated over EUR 154 billion, with 600 million internet users expected to contribute EUR 611 billion to GDP by 2025. Venture capital investment is projected to exceed EUR 4 billion in 2025, focusing on digital technologies (including AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, fintech), energy, healthcare, biotechnology, mobility and infrastructure. With 375 million young professionals entering the workforce by 2030, the continent represents one of the most dynamic and high-potential markets for innovation.
In addition, Morocco is a leading investment hub with major opportunities in renewable energy and automotive and EV manufacturing (with over EUR 8 billion in announced investments), and green hydrogen (1M hectares allocated). Other growth areas include ICT, agriculture, tourism, supported by strong infrastructure and government incentives.
The country has a strong talent pipeline, with top universities like Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Al Akhawayn, and École Centrale Casablanca producing highly skilled graduates in engineering, AI, and digital technologies, making Morocco a regional hub for major tech corporates.
Curious about the experience? Discover the successful EIC’s first mission to GITEX Africa in 2025.
Selection comes with a package designed to maximise your impact:
- Premium exhibition space in the EIC Pavilion, with a fully equipped booth
- Tailored matchmaking meetings with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners
- Onsite expert mentoring and business coaching focused on go-to-market and scaling strategies
- Speaking and pitching slots at GITEX Africa events and the EIC Pavilion stage
- Custom promotional support including press visibility and marketing materials
- Invitations to exclusive workshops on market trends, investment readiness, and innovation scaling
At GITEX Africa 2026, you will:
- Engage with decision-makers shaping Africa’s tech landscape
- Gain access to exclusive EIC matchmaking and mentoring programs tailored to your needs
- Present your technology to industry leaders, potential partners, and investors
Supported by the EIC, selected companies will have a unique platform to present their innovations and explore new business opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets.
Are you ready to make an impact? Join us at GITEX Africa 2026!
Join our webinar to learn more about GITEX Africa in Morocco
Curious about what GITEX Africa 2026 can offer your business? We are organising a webinar during the Innovation Fair to talk about market and investment opportunities in Africa and Morocco and what to expect from joining the EIC Pavilion during this trade fair. We will also provide tips to help you strengthen your application.
Save the date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Location: Brussels, Belgium, and online – register here to join the online event
Is this programme for you?
For GITEX Africa 2026, the EIC is looking for EIC-backed SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups looking to develop their business in Africa and beyond by:
- Identifying business opportunities;
- Increasing sales and revenue;
- Expanding product reach and distribution networks;
- Building meaningful business relationships with potential investors, distributors, customers, etc.;
- Gaining insights into industry trends and current market conditions
Developing innovative technologies in:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud and mobile solutions
- Sustainable tech, agritech and water
- Digital finance
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Quantum computing
- Smart cities
- Telecom and infrastructures
- Digital health
Application process
After logging in with your EU-Login credentials, please fill in the application form and answer all the questions.
You will be assessed on the following criteria:
- The expected impact of your participation to the trade fair.
- The fit of your innovative products and services with the trade fair.
- Your commitment of financial and human resources for participation to a trade fair.
- Your contribution to EU strategic autonomy and/or the image of the EU as technology powerhouse.
Please note that you are required to submit a 4-slide pitch deck as part of your application (see instructions in the online application form). The information you provide will be shared with external experts to maximise potential benefits and the impact of your participation.
The EIC team will then contact all applicants once the selection process has been concluded and inform each applicant of the outcome of their application.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations will only be considered in duly documented cases of “force majeure”. Unjustified cancellation can lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services initiatives.
About the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme supports EIC awardees in their commercialisation strategy in foreign markets, leveraging business opportunities at 12 renowned international trade fairs, strengthening the EU innovation brand around the world. Selected EIC-funded SMEs, startups and scaleups from EU Member States and Associated Countries have access to the Programme.
Any questions? Contact us through the EIC Community Helpdesk (select the category EVENT- EIC ITF Programme – GITEX Africa 2026 as the subject).
Stay up to date!
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 is an initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.