Kenya and UAE sign ICT investment cooperation MoU
Date: 2024-03-29
Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi to pave the way for significant ICT investment
in Kenya’s data centre infrastructure.
The Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo who represented Kenya in signing the deal with the Minister of Investment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) H.E Mohamed Alsuwaidi believes that the partnership will help create new job opportunities and empower Kenyan citizens with the latest digital tools.
According to Mr. Owalo, these data centres capable of serving millions of users, are fundamental to shaping Kenya's digital future. “In addition, the cooperation extends to the field of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models,” he said.
Under Kenya Kwanza’s Digital Masterplan, he
explained Kenya's digital economy has witnessed rapid expansion, propelled by a
robust ICT sector.
“This
MOU, which is in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)
is a stepping stone towards a brighter, more connected, and digitally empowered
future for Kenya and the UAE. It embodies our collective aspiration to
bridge the digital divide, accelerate technological innovation, and pave the
way for a thriving digital economy that benefits Kenya, the African continent
and beyond,” he stated.
Accompaning the Hon. Eliud Owalo were Principal Secretary,
State Department for ICT & Digital Economy; Eng John Kipchumba Tanui, Charge d'Affaires, Kenya Embassy, Abu Dhabi;
Mr. Cosmas Kimutai Sigei, Senior State Counsel, State Department for ICT &
Digital Economy; , Ms. Annette Kerubo
Nyakora and Mr. Lawrence Lelei, Trade
Attaché, Kenya Embassy, Abu Dhabi.
The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Mohamed
Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment. He was accompanied by H.E. Mohammad
Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary Ministry of Investments; Mr Abdalla
Alobeidli, Director of Investment Policy and Legislation and Mrs Farha Al
Shamsi, Director of Communication.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
