SÃO PAULO - GITEX, the global technology exhibition brand based in Dubai, will launch its first Latin American edition in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 16-17, 2027. The event marks a significant expansion into a region whose digital economy is projected to reach $950 billion by 2026, according to PCMI.

The debut edition, GITEX LATAM, is organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and KAOUN International, in partnership with São Paulo’s municipal development agency, ADESAMPA. The event will be held at Distrito Anhembi, one of Brazil’s largest event venues.

São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes welcomed the announcement, calling the event “a regional-first gateway” for connecting local companies with global opportunities. “This platform will connect pioneering startups, unicorns, and enterprises with international markets,” he said.

Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, has emerged as a leader in digital public infrastructure. More than 150 million Brazilians use digital IDs, and the country continues to expand access to centralized digital services. Market research firm IMARC Group estimates Brazil’s ICT market will reach $259 billion by 2033, while Grand View Horizon projects the country’s AI sector will grow to nearly $100 billion over the same period.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and Executive Vice President at DWTC, described Brazil as a “vibrant cornerstone” of the Latin American tech ecosystem. She said GITEX LATAM would help “unlock unprecedented access to capital, knowledge, tech, and talent” in the region.

The launch follows GITEX’s recent global expansion into 14 cities, with São Paulo becoming the latest addition to a network that includes technology hubs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The move also reflects broader momentum in Latin America, where emerging markets and developing economies are expected to generate $6.8 trillion in GDP by 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund.

São Paulo, already recognized as Latin America’s top-ranked startup ecosystem by StartupBlink’s 2025 index, has attracted more than $33.5 billion in venture capital over the past decade. The city is home to 11 unicorns and a startup ecosystem valued at $113 billion, according to Real Instituto Elcano.

Rodrigo Goulart, São Paulo’s Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labour, emphasized GITEX’s potential to strengthen international tech partnerships and promote investment. “We are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents,” he said.

GITEX LATAM’s announcement came during GITEX GLOBAL 2025, held in Dubai from October 13–17. Brazil was named the official Country Partner at the event, represented by ApexBrasil and more than 50 startups. City Hall of São Paulo led a separate delegation featuring over 10 local ventures. Chile and Ecuador also joined for the first time, alongside participants from over 180 countries.

The development follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in late 2024, where Brazil and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed strategic cooperation in areas including AI, climate change, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.