In Marrakech, the reality gap between global startup models and local African markets was highlighted at the GITEX Africa 2026 event. The panel, “Africa’s Tech Builders: Scaling Real Infrastructure for 2030, “revealed the challenges startups face in adapting to the unique demands of the African continent. Speakers emphasized the need for startups to focus on solving real local problems rather than merely adopting global trends like AI or blockchain. Haïle Amegashie, a senior investment associate, advised that startups should prioritize problem-solving over盲目追随趋势.
The discussion also brought to light the lack of synergy between founders, investors, and corporate clients. Mark Kleyner, Co-CEO of Dream VC, noted that many startups, despite the abundance of ideas, struggle to connect with potential buyers and navigate enterprise sales. This disconnect, he argued, hinders the growth of startups into major global brands or profitable entities. Kleyner pointed out that without substantial investor support, startups are unable to scale effectively.
The panelists highlighted the need for a broader focus on “human infrastructure “to bridge the “infrastructure gap.”They emphasized that Africa’s startup ecosystem must not simply replicate models from Silicon Valley or Europe but should instead focus on building its own unique infrastructure. Nader Abdelrazik, co-founder and CEO of MoneyHash, pointed to the lack of investments in Africa, suggesting that many African corporations lack the understanding and confidence to invest in their own markets.
Looking ahead, the panelists underscored the importance of resilience and market evolution. Nader Abdelrazik added that confidence in surviving the transitional journey and the maturation of regional markets will be crucial for capturing growth opportunities in the coming decade. The panel concluded by emphasizing the need to develop solid cooperation and financial infrastructure to support the expansion of businesses across Africa’s fragmented markets.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Youssef Zemlaoui
