Zakaria Sabti : Builder of Technological Bridges between Africa and the Middle East
A PhD candidate in artificial intelligence and a specialist in early-stage investment for AI startups, Zakaria Sabti is the founder and CEO of Volund Ventures, a venture builder based in Dubai, active between North Africa and the Middle East. His journey illustrates the convergence of technological expertise and entrepreneurial vision, placing Africa at the heart of the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Originally from Morocco, Zakaria Sabti showed an early interest in emerging technologies. In 2018, he founded MQ, an AI service provider company in Dubai, “before it was cool.” This first project allowed him to become familiar with developing innovative solutions and to understand market needs from the earliest stages of technological projects. This pioneering experience also provided him with valuable insights into the international dynamics of AI and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
I founded a kind of bridge between Morocco and the Emirates, between Africa and the Gulf, where Morocco plays the role of CTO
His evolution towards Volund Ventures marked a strategic turning point. The venture builder operates on an integrated internal model: several specialized entities — development, marketing, strategy, R&D, and education — collaborate to create solutions primarily for the Gulf market before expanding to Africa. As Zakaria explains: “I founded a kind of bridge between Morocco and the Emirates, between Africa and the Gulf, where Morocco plays the role of CTO. Technology is developed in Morocco and commercialized in the Gulf.” This approach illustrates his ability to combine local expertise with access to international markets while fostering collaboration between young African talents and Emirati partners.
Relocating to Dubai was no coincidence. The ecosystem is highly favorable to innovation: “They were pioneers in technology, forward-thinking, with an appetite to test and experiment in AI.” As early as 2019, his AI cameras were installed in Dubai Mall, symbolizing an environment open to rapid innovation and experimental projects. This immersion allowed him to understand the demands of a mature tech market and the levers of influence available to African startups.
Volund Ventures thus becomes the reflection of his vision: a techno-native Africa
Volund Ventures thus becomes the reflection of his vision: a techno-native Africa, capable of producing advanced solutions while benefiting from a global network of partners, infrastructure, and markets.
In a world where AI increasingly dictates the future of industries and economies, Zakaria Sabti embodies a generation of African leaders who do not simply ride the wave: they shape it.
