GITEX Expands To Latin America, Ushering In A USD 950 Billion Digital Future For Innovation

GITEX, the globally renowned tech and digital investment show, is set to make its debut in Latin America. This move comes as the region's digital market is expected to reach nearly US$950 billion by 2026. The announcement was made during GITEX GLOBAL, held from 13-17 October at DWTC, highlighting significant participation from Brazil and other Latin American countries.

Brazil, a key player in this year's GITEX GLOBAL, is represented by ApexBrasil. The agency is showcasing over 50 startups and innovation hubs across two pavilions. São Paulo City Hall is also participating with more than 10 startups. Additionally, Chile and Ecuador are making their first appearances at the event, joining representatives from over 180 countries.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with ADESAMPA, GITEX LATAM will be held at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, Brazil, from 16-17 March 2027. This event aims to position Latin America as a central hub for digital innovation by leveraging Brazil's economic leadership and thriving startup ecosystem.

Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of São Paulo, expressed enthusiasm for hosting GITEX LATAM. He stated: "São Paulo is excited to host GITEX LATAM, a landmark catalyst enabling our finest innovators to meet global opportunities. This platform will connect pioneering startups, unicorns, and influential enterprises with international markets, unlocking capital, forging partnerships, and expanding visibility on the world stage."

Brazil stands out as a leader in digital public infrastructure. It provides centralised access to numerous services for over 150 million citizens. The country aims for a US$259 billion ICT market and a US$99.8 billion AI market by 2033. GITEX plays a crucial role in supporting Brazil's growth as an innovation hub.

Trixie LohMirmand of DWTC highlighted Brazil's importance: "Brazil is the vibrant cornerstone of Latin America’s economy and a distinguished benchmark for dynamic, inclusive, and consequential technology development." She emphasised that GITEX LATAM will integrate Latin America with the global digital landscape.

São Paulo: A Hub of Innovation

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Latin America's emerging markets will generate a GDP of US$6.8 trillion by 2025. GITEX LATAM aims to accelerate the region's digital transformation by fostering collaboration between East and West through technology and investment.

The event will focus on areas such as AI, agritech, cloud computing, connectivity, cybersecurity, healthtech, and renewable energy. By promoting public-private partnerships and attracting investments, it seeks to drive transformative outcomes across rapidly digitising economies.

Strategic Partnerships

The announcement of GITEX LATAM follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. This summit marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Brazil. Both nations have committed to exploring new opportunities in AI, agriculture, climate change mitigation, renewable energy development, and emerging technologies.

Rodrigo Goulart of São Paulo expressed optimism about the event's potential: "São Paulo awaits GITEX LATAM with tremendous anticipation... we are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents." His statement underscores the city's commitment to elevating tech cooperation across Brazil and Latin America.

With inputs from WAM