25 Saudi Tech Companies Join ‘Saudi Made’ Pavilion at GITEX Africa 2024

The Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) is participating under the “Saudi Made” brand with a pavilion featuring 25 leading national companies in the tech sector at GITEX Africa 2024, held in Marrakech from May 29 to 31. This marks the second consecutive year Saudi Exports has joined the event, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its non-oil exports and enhancing its global technological footprint.

Context and Background

GITEX Africa is one of the world’s leading technology and information technology exhibitions, drawing participation from over 120 countries. The event serves as a pivotal platform for innovation and economic development across the African continent. For Saudi Arabia, participation in such forums aligns with its strategic goal to diversify the national economy and boost non-oil exports, as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

Key Details

In 2023, Saudi service exports achieved a record performance, reaching a total value of SAR 182 billion. Among these, exports from the telecommunications sector ranked third, with a total value of SAR 6.3 billion. Thamer Al-Mishrafi, the official spokesperson for Saudi Exports, emphasized the importance of service exports as a promising component for increasing non-oil exports. “Saudi Exports works to support and empower service sectors by providing facilitated means to enhance their access to and expansion in new markets,” he said, highlighting the participation in GITEX Africa 2024 for the second consecutive year as a key initiative.

Implications and Impact

The presence of 25 Saudi tech companies at GITEX Africa provides a significant opportunity to showcase the Kingdom’s technological capabilities and innovation. It facilitates connections between Saudi exporters and potential buyers across Africa, a rapidly growing market. This engagement is expected to strengthen trade ties and open new avenues for collaboration, contributing to the growth of non-oil exports and supporting the realization of Vision 2030’s economic diversification targets.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The participation of Saudi Exports in GITEX Africa 2024 under the “Saudi Made” brand is a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its global competitiveness. By promoting service exports and fostering international partnerships, Saudi Arabia is steadily advancing toward its Vision 2030 goals, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its people. The continued engagement in global exhibitions like GITEX Africa is a cornerstone of this strategic vision.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Made pavilion at GITEX Africa 2024?

A1. The Saudi Made pavilion is an initiative by Saudi Exports to showcase national products and services under a unified brand. At GITEX Africa 2024, it features 25 leading Saudi tech companies, promoting their capabilities to an international audience.

Q2. How many Saudi companies are participating?

A2. There are 25 leading national companies in the tech sector participating under the Saudi Made pavilion at GITEX Africa 2024, representing the Kingdom’s innovative and advanced technology industry.

Q3. What is the purpose of Saudi Exports’ participation?

A3. The purpose is to support and empower Saudi service sectors by providing facilitated means to access new markets, enhance brand image, and connect exporters with potential buyers, ultimately boosting non-oil exports.

Q4. Where is GITEX Africa 2024 being held?

A4. GITEX Africa 2024 is being held in Marrakech, Morocco, from May 29 to 31, 2024. It is one of the world’s leading technology exhibitions, attracting participants from over 120 countries.

Q5. How many countries are participating in GITEX Africa 2024?

A5. Over 120 countries are participating in GITEX Africa 2024, making it a key international platform for innovation, technology, and economic development in Africa.

Q6. What was the total value of Saudi service exports in 2023?

A6. In 2023, Saudi service exports recorded a total value of SAR 182 billion, marking their best performance compared to previous years. This reflects the growing strength and diversity of the Kingdom’s non-oil economy.

Q7. Which sector ranked third in Saudi service exports?

A7. The telecommunications sector ranked third among Saudi service exports in 2023, with a total value of SAR 6.3 billion. This highlights the significance of the tech industry in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts.

Q8. Who is the official spokesperson for Saudi Exports?

A8. Thamer Al-Mishrafi is the official spokesperson for Saudi Exports. He has highlighted the importance of service exports and the authority’s commitment to supporting sector growth through participation in global exhibitions like GITEX Africa.

Q9. How many consecutive years has Saudi Exports participated in GITEX Africa?

A9. Saudi Exports has participated in GITEX Africa for the second consecutive year in 2024. This ongoing participation demonstrates the authority’s dedication to expanding market access for Saudi companies.

Q10. What is the main objective of the Saudi Made brand?

A10. The Saudi Made brand aims to promote national products and services, enhancing their image and competitiveness in global markets. It encourages consumer trust and fosters economic growth by supporting local industries and non-oil exports.

Q11. How does participation in global exhibitions help Saudi exporters?

A11. Participation in global exhibitions like GITEX Africa provides Saudi exporters with vital platforms to meet industry experts, explore opportunities, and connect with potential buyers. This helps expand their reach and grow non-oil exports.

Q12. What is the significance of GITEX Africa for economic development?

A12. GITEX Africa is a leading platform that brings together innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive technological advancement and economic growth. It facilitates partnerships and showcases cutting-edge solutions, contributing to Africa’s development and global tech integration.

Q13. How does this participation align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. The participation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting economic diversification, increasing non-oil exports, and promoting the Kingdom’s technological capabilities. It reflects the vision’s goal to build a thriving, sustainable economy.

Q14. What is the role of Saudi Exports in supporting service sectors?

A14. Saudi Exports supports service sectors by providing facilitated means to access new markets, such as organizing participation in specialized global exhibitions, offering guidance, and connecting exporters with international buyers, thereby empowering their growth.

Q15. What types of companies are featured in the pavilion?

A15. The pavilion features 25 leading national companies in the technology sector, representing various segments such as telecommunications, digital services, software, and innovation. These companies showcase their cutting-edge solutions and services.

Q16. What is the expected outcome of the participation for Saudi companies?

A16. The participation is expected to enhance brand visibility, attract potential buyers and partners, and facilitate business deals. This can lead to increased exports and strengthen the presence of Saudi tech companies in African and global markets.

Q17. How does this contribute to non-oil export growth?

A17. By showcasing service exports and facilitating connections, the participation helps increase demand for Saudi services, thereby boosting non-oil export revenues. This contributes to the economic diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q18. What is the importance of the African market for Saudi exports?

A18. Africa is a rapidly growing market with increasing demand for technology and services. Engaging with African partners opens new opportunities for Saudi exporters, fostering economic cooperation and mutual growth, aligned with the Kingdom’s global outreach.

Q19. What are the future plans for Saudi Exports in similar events?

A19. Saudi Exports is committed to participating in specialized global exhibitions to promote national products and services. It will continue to identify strategic events that offer high potential for market expansion and further the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q20. How can interested parties learn more about Saudi Made?

A20. Interested parties can visit the Saudi Made website or its official social media channels to learn about participating companies, products, and initiatives. The pavilion at exhibitions like GITEX Africa also provides direct interaction opportunities.

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