Cameroon’s digital ecosystem is stepping further onto the continental stage as the Réseau des Professionnels des TIC du Cameroun, known as REPTIC, prepares to participate in GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech, a major technology gathering that has become one of the most influential platforms for Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
The participation follows an official invitation from the Moroccan Federation of Information Technology, Telecommunications and Offshoring, APEBI, reinforcing growing collaboration between North and Central African tech ecosystems. The event, scheduled from 7 to 9 April 2026, is expected to bring together governments, investors, startups and technology leaders from across the continent and beyond to discuss innovation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
GITEX Africa, launched in 2023 as the regional expansion of the global GITEX technology exhibition in Dubai, has quickly grown into Africa’s largest tech and startup event. Held annually in Marrakech, it has become a strategic meeting point for policymakers and private sector actors seeking to accelerate digital transformation across sectors such as governance, fintech, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Its expansion reflects the increasing global interest in Africa’s digital markets, where mobile penetration, startup ecosystems and digital public services are growing rapidly.
REPTIC’s presence at the 2026 edition signals a broader ambition by Cameroonian tech professionals to position the country not just as a consumer of digital solutions but as an active contributor to Africa’s innovation economy. The organisation’s participation is expected to focus on building partnerships, showcasing local expertise and integrating Cameroon more deeply into regional technology networks.
A key highlight of the delegation’s agenda is participation in a high level panel discussion titled “L’IA africaine en action,” which translates to African AI in action, under the forum dedicated to artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty. The session is scheduled for 7 April 2026 from 3 pm to 4 pm and will bring together leading voices in the African tech space to examine how artificial intelligence can be practically deployed to solve development challenges on the continent.
Among the speakers is Pierre François Kamanou, president of REPTIC, who will contribute to discussions on how African countries can build sustainable AI ecosystems that balance innovation with sovereignty and infrastructure control. He will be joined by other industry figures including Othman Benslimane, co founder and chief executive officer of Tython, Emery Rubagenga, chief executive officer of Horus Power and Telecom, Mohamed Saad, president of AUSIM, and Abdallah Deguig, senior board advisor at Reply Wemanity. The panel is expected to explore themes such as AI driven governance, digital infrastructure development, and the role of private sector collaboration in scaling African tech solutions.
The participation of REPTIC also carries a strategic diplomatic and economic dimension. One of its stated objectives is to strengthen synergies between African digital ecosystems, particularly between Central and North Africa, where collaboration has historically been limited despite shared opportunities in digital infrastructure, fintech expansion and innovation policy development. By engaging at GITEX Africa, Cameroon is seeking to increase its visibility and attract partnerships that could support its growing digital economy.
Another major objective is to showcase Cameroon’s technical expertise and innovation potential. The country has been gradually expanding its digital sector through increased internet penetration, mobile money adoption and government backed digital transformation initiatives. However, like many African countries, it still faces challenges including infrastructure gaps, limited investment in advanced technologies and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to support emerging digital industries.
The presence of Digital Business Africa at the event further amplifies the communication and media dimension of the delegation’s strategy. The platform plans to provide coverage, interviews and visibility opportunities for companies, startups and institutions participating in the event. This reflects a growing recognition that digital storytelling and media exposure are now essential components of innovation ecosystems, helping startups and organisations attract investors and build credibility in competitive markets.
Beyond participation and networking, REPTIC is also expected to use the platform to promote E GOV’A 2026, an e governance and digital innovation conference scheduled to take place in Yaoundé in October 2026. The initiative aims to position Cameroon as a regional hub for discussions on digital governance, public sector technology adoption and innovation policy in Africa.
The broader significance of GITEX Africa lies in its role as a convergence point for Africa’s digital future. The continent is experiencing rapid technological change driven by mobile connectivity, fintech expansion, artificial intelligence adoption and increased startup funding. However, this growth is uneven, with significant disparities between countries and regions. Events like GITEX Africa provide a space for bridging these gaps through collaboration, investment matchmaking and policy dialogue.
For Cameroon, participation in such platforms is part of a long term strategy to integrate more deeply into continental digital value chains. By engaging with investors, technology companies and policymakers, REPTIC and its partners aim to position the country as a credible player in Africa’s evolving digital economy.
As the continent continues to push toward digital sovereignty and innovation led growth, gatherings like GITEX Africa are becoming more than exhibitions. They are strategic arenas where the future of Africa’s technology landscape is negotiated, shaped and accelerated.
