We are excited to share that Catalyze is an official community partner for GITEX AFRICA 2024, the continent’s largest tech and startup event, which will take place from 29 to 31 May in Marrakech, Morocco.

This partnership allows GITEX AFRICA and Catalyze’s newest project, Africa Tech Startup Forum (ATSF), access to each other's amazing communities, with their shared passion for showcasing and expanding the African tech industry.

GITEX AFRICA takes place for the second time in the global hub of Marrakech, Morocco, bridging the EMEA region with access to a combined population of 2.5 billion people and connecting 80 global cities. The success of the first edition highlighted Africa’s great interest and enthusiastic embrace of the digital revolution and commitment to transformative change.

This year, GITEX AFRICA is expanding into new sectors aimed at propelling the advancement of various technological innovations throughout the continent: Digital Health and Ai Everything Africa are a key focus. This highlights the increasing significance of Africa in the worldwide technology arena, and fostering discussions on cutting-edge topics.

GITEX AFRICA is the ultimate platform to explore all the revolutionising new tech, making lasting connections, immersing yourself in exclusive experience and learning valuable industry insights.

The African Tech Startup Forum (ATSF) is a collaboration of 3 key international partners Catalyze, Ndarama Works, and Korea Startup Forum, supported by the leading tech incubation training partner UVU Africa. It is funded by the Korea Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund through the African Development Bank (AfDB)'s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab.

It is a Market Access and Acceleration Program designed to prepare, train, expose, and connect tech ventures with opportunities. The program takes place virtually and in-person, aiming to showcase the exceptional tech innovations emerging from Africa and provide them with the platform to thrive. Collaborating with experts from Africa and around the globe, will create an ecosystem that nurtures and boosts tech ventures.

ATSF is currently in the intake stage, accepting applications for the inaugural cohort, comprising 160 outstanding entrepreneurs, including startups and Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs). Applications close on 10 May 2024.

ATSF are still looking for applications from tech innovators from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Rwanda, and South Africa, in the following sectors (though other tech areas will be considered):

AGTech
FinTech
HealthTech
GameTech EdTech
RetailTech
GovTech
BioTech OceanTech
ServiceTech/IOT
CleanTech
E-ComTech
CyberTech

You can apply here: https://africatechstartupforum.com/apply/

Catalyze’s Managing Director, Rex Bowden, and our International Events & Meetings Manager, Penny Persadh, will be at GITEX AFRICA representing ATSF at the end of May. We would love to meet you there! Email Penny on penny@catalyze.co.za to set up a time!