KENYA – Technology company Microsoft and G42, an artificial intelligence (AI) firm based in the United Arab Emirates, have announced digital investments in Kenya as part of a joint initiative with Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy.
According to Microsoft, G42 will lead the effort to secure an initial US$1 billion investment for the initiative’s various projects.
Per the agreement, G42 will collaborate with local partners to build a cutting-edge data center campus powered by renewable geothermal energy and water conservation technology.
“In partnership with Microsoft, we are excited to work with the Kenyan government to usher in a transformative era for the digital ecosystem in Kenya and the region,” said Peng Xiao, group chief executive officer of G42.
“By establishing a green data center and developing AI tailored to the local culture, G42 is committed to fostering sustainable technological growth.
“This initiative will empower the Kenyan government and communities with robust, secure cloud services and AI capabilities, providing the foundation for a thriving digital economy across the region.”
Other projects on the initiative include developing Swahili/English AI models and launching AI societal services. Microsoft stated that G42 has begun training an open-source language AI model in Swahili and English using its data infrastructure in the United States.
Additionally, Microsoft and G42 intend to establish an East African Innovation Lab in Nairobi to assist businesses and organizations in developing and implementing cloud and AI services.
The partnership will also offer a variety of digital and AI skills, including plans for a cybersecurity training program for more than 2,000 people per year.
The initiative includes expanding Internet connectivity and working with the Kenyan government to support safe, secure cloud services throughout East Africa.
“This partnership between two companies and three countries highlights a real opportunity to bring digital technology to the Global South safely and securely,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft.
“This represents the single largest and broadest digital investment in Kenya’s history and reflects our confidence in the country, the government, its people, and the future of East Africa.”
The two companies will expand on ongoing relationships and work with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Stanbic Kenya Foundation, MPESA Foundation, UNDP Kenya, Young African Leaders Initiative, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and the United States International University-Africa.
This is not Microsoft’s first investment in Kenya’s digital economy. It has a development center in Nairobi called the African Development Centre (ADC), which opened in 2019.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy, and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
