South Korean tech company CAST claimed victory in the Special Award category at GITEX Africa 2025 event.
In the bustling city of Marrakech, Morocco, the annual GITEX Africa took place from April 14 to 16, 2025. This year, the continent's largest information and communication technology (ICT) exhibition attracted over 45,000 participants from across the globe, marking a significant expansion since its move to Morocco in 2022.
The Korea-Africa Foundation, an organisation dedicated to fostering connections between Korean companies and the African market, played a pivotal role in this year's event. They operated a Korean Pavilion, facilitating connections between Korean startups and African buyers and investors. Among the participating Korean startups were those from various sectors including ICT, environment, tourism, agriculture, education, and construction.
One of these startups, 'CAST', made a notable impression at the event. Although specific details about the company are scarce, it is known that they participated in the Supernova Challenge, a global pitch competition for startups. The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, was involved in the Supernova Challenge, and 'CAST' was awarded a special prize during this competition.
The special prize awarded to 'CAST' includes a cash prize of $10,000 USD (approximately KRW 14 million). The exact nature of the company's achievements and future prospects remain unclear due to limited information available, but it is certain that 'CAST' secured tangible outcomes at GITEX Africa 2025, including proof-of-concept (PoC) agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and letters of intent (LOIs) for future investments.
Kim Young-chae, President of the Korea-Africa Foundation, commented on GITEX Africa's expansion over the past three years, noting its steady growth. The event this year brought together over 1,400 companies, 650 government agencies, and more than 350 investors, making it a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration.
As GITEX Africa continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a testament to the growing interest and potential in African ICT markets. With events like these, the Korea-Africa Foundation plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Korean and African businesses, fostering meaningful connections and driving growth in both regions.
- The Korea-Africa Foundation, a organization fostering Korean companies connections with the African market, facilitated connections between Korean startups from sectors like ICT, environment, tourism, agriculture, education, and construction, during the annual GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.
- One of the participating Korean startups, 'CAST', secured tangible outcomes at GITEX Africa 2025, including proof-of-concept (PoC) agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and letters of intent (LOIs) for future investments, by participating in the Supernova Challenge, a global pitch competition for startups, which was involved by the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group.
