In a groundbreaking move, G42, a major artificial intelligence player based in Abu Dhabi, is joining forces with Microsoft to inject a staggering $1 billion into Kenya’s digital landscape. This monumental investment marks a watershed moment for Kenya, heralded as the largest-ever tech infusion into the East African nation. At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of a sustainable data centre. Microsoft’s Azure service powers this centre, making it the new cloud region in East Africa.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair, expressed unwavering confidence in Kenya’s future. He highlights this investment as a testament to the nation’s potential, its government, and its people. The partnership, characterized by its broad scope, encompasses diverse areas such as local-language AI models, connectivity enhancements, and cybersecurity measures. By the year 2025, the goal is to extend internet access to millions of individuals across Kenya and East Africa.
The formalization of this partnership is slated to occur during the upcoming visit of Kenyan President William Ruto to Washington. Within a two-year timeframe, the data centre will begin operations once it is finalized. Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, envisions this investment as a catalyst for profound change.
Kenya, already recognized as a hub for information and communication technology (ICT), stands to reap substantial benefits from this infusion of capital and expertise. The 10-year Digital Masterplan aims to revolutionize digital infrastructure, services, and skills.
President Ruto lauds this investment not only for its potential to transform Kenya but also for its role in strengthening cooperation among the UAE, the US, and Kenya. This collaborative endeavour holds the promise of bridging the digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital economy that uplifts not only Kenya but the entire African continent and beyond.
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