GITEX Africa Roadshow: Tunisian Startups Shine in the Spotlight
Event Overview
On February 2, 2026, GITEX Africa made a stop in Tunis as part of its 4th edition roadshow in North Africa. The event, held at The Dot, brought together startups, investors, tech leaders, and public sector representatives for a networking session. The theme of the event was "Unite to Innovate and Accelerate: Towards a Global Future for Digital Africa."
A Moment of Listening and Preparation for GITEX Africa 2026
Jessy Fula, Head of Government Engagement at Dubai World Trade Centre, the organizer of GITEX Africa, explained that this Tunisian leg is part of a proximity dynamic with local ecosystems. "The goal is to gather the ecosystem, exchange directly with startups and institutions, and accompany them in their preparation for GITEX Africa Morocco, scheduled for April 7-9, 2026, in Marrakech," he stated. Nearly 40 Tunisian startups participated in this meeting, designed as a space for dialogue, information, and networking.
Key Takeaways
- The development of digital infrastructure is a central challenge for the future of the continent.
- Education is also a strategic axis of GITEX Africa, with the introduction of GITEX Flex, an initiative dedicated to education.
- A zone will be dedicated to EdTech, in addition to new spaces dedicated to Sportech and Agritech.
Tunisia: A Model on the Continent
Jessy Fula praised Tunisia's positioning in the African ecosystem. "Tunisia is an example, particularly thanks to the Startup Act, which was put in place very early on the continent. Today, many African countries are inspired by it. Tunisia plays an important role and accompanies other ecosystems in their structuring," he affirmed.
A Faithful and Promising Tunisian Presence
Ghazi Saddem, Country Agent of GITEX, recalled Tunisia's constant participation in GITEX Africa since its first edition. "Tunisia has always been present at GITEX Africa. At each edition, Tunisian startups have managed to distinguish themselves during the pitch competitions, proof of the quality and potential of our ecosystem," he indicated.
Winners of the Pitch Competition
- Chitelix: A startup that transforms waste from blue crab exports into valuable resources for industry.
- BWS (Be Wireless Solutions): A regional leader in IoT, providing solutions to save resources and accompanying several private and public institutions in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Thinkneo: A startup specialized in Fintech and digital identity, with a mission to secure and simplify access to digital services.
Jury's Selection Criteria
Zeineb Messaoud, Director of the AfriLabs community and a member of the jury, explained that the selection was difficult because the level of the pitches was very close. "To select the projects, we took into account what GITEX Africa can bring to startups. We looked for innovation, development potential, and the team's ability to grow their project. The goal is to highlight initiatives capable of developing, having a concrete impact, and fully benefiting from the opportunities offered by the event," she specified.
