Moroccan startups at GITEX: are they landing deals or just seeking exposure?

Morocco is using state support to push startups onto the global stage at GITEX Africa, but founders say subsidies buy exposure rather than guaranteed capital. More than 800 startups and over 400 investors managing an estimated $350 billion are attending the event as Moroccan participation is partly financed by the government-backed “Morocco 300” programme. The move comes amid mixed performance at home: funding rose from $33 million in 2023 to $95 million in 2024 — briefly putting Morocco among the top four markets in MENA — yet nearly all deals were below $5 million, exits were rare, and 2025 saw minimal funding.

Direct quote

“We have this opportunity through the Ministry of Digital Transition … who subsidized us and selected us,” said Nabil Hamdaoui, co‑founder of agritech startup Acridia. “Once you have a client, you realize you don’t need an investor as much as maybe the investor needs you.”

Context and details

Acridia, which produces halal‑certified locust protein, is one of several Moroccan startups using GITEX to convert visibility into commercial contracts and partnerships. The company says it has a memorandum of understanding to supply five tons to a Saudi client in 2026 and is “scaling to a few hundred thousand locusts now,” while preparing operations to reach industrial volumes with AI and IoT tools. Hamdaoui noted regulatory tailwinds after the European Union approved mealworms, crickets and locusts, adding: “Locust is the only halal option. We don’t position it as insect protein, but as a halal food, building a new supply chain around that. Investors don’t need to be Muslim, but they need to align with that vision.”

Not all exhibitors expect immediate checks. Fatima Zahra Wafik, representing delivery startup Cathedis, said her team recorded between 20 and 30 investor visits in a single morning but that “for now, it’s mostly exposure and marketing.” Cathedis, founded in 2015, provides logistics for e‑commerce across more than 600 destinations in Morocco and operates a fully digital tracking platform; its priorities at GITEX include customer acquisition as much as fund‑raising.

Early‑stage firms at the show described higher urgency. Said Messal, founder of AI startup Redia (launched in 2025), said the 12‑person company “is looking for investors … we need funding to expand.” Redia converts existing cameras into analytics tools for foot traffic and behaviour; Messal said the startup has already drawn initial interest, including a visit from Mada, and is following up on regional meetings.

• Funding: $33 million (2023) → $95 million (2024)
• Deal size: nearly all under $5 million
• GITEX attendance: 800+ startups, 400+ investors (estimated $350 billion managed)
• Government support: “Morocco 300” subsidising participation

Outlook

Founders and observers stress that GITEX is often the start of longer fundraising processes rather than a closing venue. “Yes and no. When you have expectations, you risk being disappointed, but I’m grateful for the chance to interact, exchange ideas and get advice,” Hamdaoui said, noting that investor meetings frequently lead to months of follow‑ups, due diligence and negotiations. For Moroccan startups, the immediate gains may be partnerships and customer contracts, while converting exposure into meaningful investment will depend on follow‑through, scalable traction and alignment with regional and international investors.