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GITEX AFRICA - Cyber & AI Achiever Awards

Recognizing Excellence in Cybersecurity, AI Security & GRC

GITEX AFRICA - Cyber & AI Achiever Awards

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Submit by March 20 , 2026

Recognizing excellence in Cybersecurity, AI Security & GRC

GITEX Africa - Cyber AI Awards 2026 celebrate the leaders, innovators, and organizations driving measurable impact across cybersecurity, AI security, and governance, risk & compliance (GRC) in Africa and the Middle East. From visionary CISOs and emerging cyber leaders to groundbreaking security programs and innovative cyber solutions - these awards spotlight those shaping the future of digital trust and resilience

A Regional Benchmark for Cyber & AI Leadership

Honoring impactful individuals, teams & organizations across africa and the middle east

Open to africa and middleeast
individuals, teams & organisations
independent expert jury
measurable impact focused

Get Involved in The Cyber & AI Achiever Awards

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Who can enter. How to submit . Evalution Criteria.

Cybersecurity professionals

Complete official form –

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Jury Review

TIMELINE

Awards Announcement
March 2nd, 2026

Nomination Deadline
March 16th, 2026

Jury Evaluation Deadline
March 23rd, 2026

Jury Panel Calls
March 23rd, 2026

Shortlist Announcement
March 30th, 2026

Awards Ceremony & Dinner
April 9th, 2026

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AWARD CATEGORIES

Individuals

CISO of the Year (10+ years domain experience; strategic enterprise-level impact in MEA)

• Women in Cyber Leadership (7+ years experience advancing cyber & AI governance maturity)

• Emerging / Rising Star in Cyber of the Year

CISO of the Year (10+ years domain experience; strategic enterprise-level impact in MEA)

• Women in Cyber Leadership (7+ years experience advancing cyber & AI governance maturity)

• Emerging / Rising Star in Cyber of the Year

Project & Program Awards

• Best Cyber & AI Team of the Year (minimum 12 months demonstrated team maturity)

• Best Cyber Innovation Program (structured governance and measurable outcomes)

• Best Cyber Resilience Program (proven resilience improvement and risk mitigation impact)

Products & Organizations

• Best Cyber Solution of the Year (proven effectiveness and measurable client results in MEA)

• Best Cyber Startup of the Year (innovation, scalability, and regional adoption)

Nominate those who are shaping the future of cybersecurity in Africa and the Middle East.

RECOGNITIONS & BENIFITS

Shortlisted nominees announced: March 30th, 2026)

Winners celebrated at the Awards Ceremony & Dinner on April 9th, 2026 at

Additional recognition includes: Featuring winners and finalists in press releases and media coverage Interviews highlighting leadership and excellence in cybersecurity Case studies demonstrating innovation and measurable impact This is your chance to showcase your achievements to a global audience of cybersecurity leaders.

Guidelines

Ethical Standards

All nominations must be truthful, accurate, and objective. Misleading or false information may lead to disqualification. Submissions must comply with confidentiality agreements and data privacy regulations. Organizers may reassign entries to a more suitable category if appropriate.

Evaluation & Confidentiality

All submissions are assessed by an independent panel of cybersecurity and AI experts. Evaluation is based on transparent, published criteria with assigned weightings per category. Jury decisions are final and confidential. Individual feedback will not be provided, and all submissions are treated as strictly confidential.

Multiple Categories

You may nominate the same individual or organization in more than one category. Each entry must be submitted separately. A nominee may win only one award, so choose your strongest submission per category carefully.

Event Attendance

The awards are hosted alongside the Morocco edition of GITEX AI 2026. Summit registration is not required to be eligible. Separate registration is required for the Awards Ceremony & Dinner. Travel and logistics are the responsibility of nominees or their organizations. Shortlisted individuals may receive complimentary delegate access.

Meet Our Jury panel

The GITEX Africa Cyber Awards 2026 are judged by a prestigious panel of cybersecurity and AI leaders. Each jury member brings decades of experience protecting organizations, advising governments, and shaping the future of cybersecurity across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

Mr. Bharat Raigangar

Global Head AI & Cyber Security & Risk – UAE & USA

Bharat brings over 20 years of global experience in cybersecurity, AI security, and risk management. He has advised multinational organizations on AI adoption, cyber resilience, and regulatory compliance. At the Awards, Bharat ensures that entries are evaluated for innovation, impact, measurable outcomes, and governance maturity.

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Ms. Inssata Ricourt - Founder

CyAN Africa

Inssata is a leading voice in cybersecurity across Africa, driving initiatives for capacity building, governance, and cyber awareness. She has worked with governments, startups, and corporates to strengthen digital resilience. Her focus in the jury is to highlight initiatives that transform cybersecurity practices, promote inclusivity, and strengthen regional ecosystems.

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Mr. John Salomon

Cyber & AI Advisor – Spain

John has extensive experience in AI security and advisory for enterprise cyber programs. He has led cross-border projects in Europe and Africa, focusing on cutting-edge security innovation. On the jury, John evaluates solutions that demonstrate technical excellence, architectural maturity, and practical implementation impact.

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Mr. Sandeep Wadje

Managing Director – Emerging Tech & Risk, BNP Paribas, London, UK

Sandeep specializes in emerging technologies, cybersecurity risk management, and operational resilience. With years of experience in global banking and financial services, he ensures that nominations meet the highest standards of strategy, structured execution, compliance alignment, and measurable success.

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Mr. Anoop Kumar

Head of InfoSec & GRC, GULF News Publication

Anoop is a thought leader in information security and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) for media and publishing sectors. He brings insights into practical cyber defense strategies and organizational resilience. On the jury, Anoop focuses on evaluating nominees for strategic impact, governance integration, and operational excellence.

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