As Latin America’s digital market surges toward a projected value of nearly US$950 billion by 2026 (PCMI), the region is set for a new era of technological and economic transformation. This momentum has attracted GITEX, the world’s largest and top-rated tech and digital investment brand, which is officially expanding into the continent.
Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, in strategic partnership with the São Paulo Development Agency (ADESAMPA), the debut edition of GITEX LATAM will be held from March 16–17, 2027, at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil. It marks Latin America’s first-ever global tech event of this scale.
Leveraging Brazil’s economic strength, progressive digital policies, and thriving startup ecosystem, GITEX LATAM aims to position the continent as a new global hub where innovation meets opportunity.
Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of São Paulo, hailed the initiative as a major gateway for regional innovators, saying:
“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. At City Hall of São Paulo we are committed to empowering businesses that embody our creative and entrepreneurial strength, reaffirming our city as Latin America’s foremost hub of innovation, investment, and transformative growth.”
Brazil to Serve as ‘Vibrant Cornerstone’ of Regional Tech
GITEX’s expansion underscores its growing global network — spanning 14 cities across multiple continents in just three years. Brazil now joins this elite circle as one of the world’s leading adopters of digital public infrastructure, offering hundreds of online services and digital IDs to more than 150 million citizens.
With projections of a US$259 billion ICT market (IMARC Group) and a US$99.8 billion AI market (Grand View Horizon) by 2033, Brazil stands as a key driver of innovation in the region.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, celebrated the partnership, noting:
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“Brazil is the vibrant cornerstone of Latin America’s economy and a distinguished benchmark for dynamic, inclusive, and consequential technology development. Together with São Paulo – a prolific hub where startup ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ambitious investments thrive – GITEX LATAM shall integrate Latin America with the limitless digital universe, unlocking unprecedented access to capital, knowledge, tech, and talent, as the region scales towards global dominance on the world stage.”
Connecting Innovators Across a $6.8 Trillion Economy
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Latin America’s emerging and developing economies are expected to generate a combined GDP of US$6.8 trillion in 2025. GITEX LATAM aims to accelerate this momentum by fostering cross-border collaboration, channeling investment, and driving digital inclusion across sectors.
The event’s agenda will cover emerging fields such as AI, agritech, cloud, connectivity, cybersecurity, healthtech, renewable energy, and data infrastructure, providing a future-focused platform for investors and innovators alike.
São Paulo: The Heart of Latin America’s Startup Scene
The São Paulo startup ecosystem ranks first in Latin America and attracts substantial venture capital activity. According to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2025, the city has drawn more than US$33.5 billion in VC funding in the last decade, achieved a total ecosystem valuation of US$113 billion, and produced 11 unicorns valued at over US$1 billion.
Rodrigo Goulart, Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labour of São Paulo, added:
“São Paulo awaits GITEX LATAM with tremendous anticipation, not least because of the immense potential to elevate tech cooperation to historic new heights across Brazil and Latin America. By leveraging the world’s largest network of digital economy relationships – a network universally synonymous with GITEX – we are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents.”
Strengthening UAE–Brazil Tech Ties
The announcement of GITEX LATAM was made during GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI exhibition held from October 13–17 at DWTC in Dubai. The 2025 edition saw record Latin American participation, with Brazil as the official Country Partner represented by ApexBrasil, its trade and investment promotion agency.
ApexBrasil led two national pavilions featuring over 50 startups and innovation hubs, while the City Hall of São Paulo showcased more than 10 startups. Chile and Ecuador also made their debut at the event, joining representatives from over 180 countries.
The announcement follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Brazil. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership and pledged to deepen collaboration across AI, agriculture, innovation, climate change, and renewable energy.
For more information on GITEX LATAM, visit www.GITEXLATAM.com
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