Kenya is set to strengthen its position on the global technology stage as the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) moves to the country and the East African region for the first time.
GITEX is one of the world’s largest and most influential tech events, originating in Dubai and expanding globally. It features massive exhibitions, conferences, and startups focused on AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Scheduled to take place in Nairobi between May 19 and 21 (next week), Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will debut as East Africa’s largest AI and innovation ecosystem event.
The landmark event comes at a time when Kenya is making major investments in digital infrastructure, AI factories, hyperscale data centres, and green industrialisation—all key pillars driving economic growth and national resilience.
Organised by KAOUN International, the global force behind GITEX, in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya and dx⁵, Africa’s top technology driver, the summit is expected to attract global attention to Kenya’s rapidly growing digital economy and expanding influence in artificial intelligence.
With AI projected to contribute $2.4 billion to Kenya’s GDP by 2030 and create more than 300,000 jobs by 2028, the event is expected to accelerate investment, innovation, and partnerships across the continent while promoting the responsible and inclusive adoption of emerging technologies.
Over the past 45 years, GITEX has evolved into one of the world’s most influential technology exhibition brands, hosting events across eight countries and five regions.
These are Germany, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam. Kenya’s inclusion in the global GITEX portfolio signals growing international confidence in Nairobi as a major technology and innovation hub.
Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya is expected to bring together policymakers, startups, investors, academia, private sector leaders, creatives, civil society organisations, and development partners, positioning Nairobi as a central meeting point for conversations shaping Africa’s digital future.
According to Kenya’s Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, the event is both a recognition of Kenya’s progress and a call to action.
“Hosting Ai Everything Kenya is a recognition of Kenya’s role in Africa’s digital transformation journey. Artificial intelligence is becoming a key driver of economic inclusion, public service reform, and sustainable development.”
Kenya’s recently launched AI strategy aligns with broader national plans such as the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
During a briefing ahead of the summit, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the event reinforces Nairobi’s ambition to become a global hub for digital cooperation and innovation.
According to Sing’oei, Kenya’s technology diplomacy agenda—outlined in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025—seeks to strengthen international collaboration on emerging technologies, data governance, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure.
Special Envoy on Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo also described the summit as a strong affirmation of Kenya’s growing role in shaping global technology conversations.
“This is more than a symbolic event,” Thigo said, “It reflects Kenya’s commitment to using emerging technologies not only to solve local challenges, but also to influence global standards in ways that are inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of Africa’s aspirations.”
Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵, said the event would catalyse Africa’s digital transformation by connecting global innovators, policymakers, investors, and local talent.
KAOUN International CEO and DWTC Executive Vice President Trixie LohMirmand said Kenya has already established itself as a powerful force within Africa’s digital economy through innovation and homegrown technological solutions.
She noted that the launch of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya would shine a global spotlight on Kenya’s progressive policies, emerging infrastructure, talent, and ambitions while unlocking new opportunities for public-private collaboration across the region.
The three-day event will feature a one-day global summit and a two-day exhibition focused on six major themes shaping the future of Kenya’s digital economy.
These are artificial intelligence, agritech, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainability.
Supported by Gulfood, the world’s largest food exhibition, the event aims to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, attract investment, support startups and SMEs, and accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation agenda under Vision 2030 and the Kenya National Digital Master Plan.
