Microsoft Corp. and G42
have announced a comprehensive package of digital investments in Kenya, as part
of an initiative with the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Information,
Communications and the Digital Economy.
In
collaboration with Microsoft and other stakeholders, G42 will lead the
arrangement of an initial investment of $1 billion for the various components
outlined in the comprehensive package. One of the Kenyan investment priorities
is a state-of-the-art green data center that will be built by G42 and its
partners to run Microsoft Azure in a new East Africa Cloud Region.
The
initiative will include four additional pillars that will be pursued with local
partners: (1) local-language AI model development and research; (2) an East
Africa Innovation Lab coupled with broad AI digital skills training; (3)
international and local connectivity investments; and (4) collaboration with
the government of Kenya to support safe and secure cloud services across East
Africa.
A
letter of intent formalizing the relationship will be signed on Friday as part
of Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States of America,
the first state visit to Washington, D.C., by a sitting African head of state
in nearly two decades. The letter of intent will be signed between Microsoft,
G42 and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital
Economy, and was crafted with the assistance of the governments of the United
States and the United Arab Emirates.
Sustainable data center infrastructure
and new East Africa cloud region
As
part of the agreement, G42, in collaboration with local partners, will design
and build a state-of-the-art data center campus in Olkaria, Kenya, run entirely
on renewable geothermal energy and designed with state-of-the-art water
conservation technology. The data center will run on and provide access to
Microsoft Azure through a new East Africa Cloud Region, which will become
operational within 24 months of the signing of the definitive agreements.
This
cloud region will provide customers access to scalable, secure, high-speed
cloud and AI services to accelerate cloud adoption and the digital
transformation of businesses, customers and partners across Kenya and East
Africa.
His
Excellency, President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, stated that, “This partnership is bigger than technology
itself. It is about coming together of three countries with a common vision of
a nation empowered by technology, where every citizen has the opportunity to
thrive in the global digital landscape. It’s about building a future where
Kenya flourishes as a digital leader.”
The
President emphasized, “In the spirit of mutual growth and shared prosperity,
this LOI is a stepping stone toward a brighter, more connected and digitally
empowered future for the USA, 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 the entire
African continent and beyond.”
“This partnership between two companies
and three countries highlights a real opportunity to bring digital technology
to the Global South in a safe and secure manner,” 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.”
Peng
Xiao, group chief executive officer of G42, said: “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. 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.”
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
