Microsoft 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 a package that include a state-of-the-art green data centre that will enable Microsoft Azure to be run in a new East Africa Cloud Region.
The initiative will include four additional pillars that will be pursued with local partners: local-language AI model development and research; an East Africa Innovation Lab coupled with broad AI digital skills training; international and local connectivity investments; and collaboration with the government of Kenya to support safe and secure cloud services across East Africa.
Announcing the deal, Microsoft said the data centre 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.
In April, Microsoft revelaed a major investment of $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi-based firm, G42 as part of plans to accelerate AI development in the Middle East and Africa region. Since then there have been reports that the US has been exploring the possibility of furthering ties with the UAE through new partnerships on artificial intelligence. Several partnerships have recently been announced including a tie-up between Core42, a subsidiary of G42, and Gecko Robotics that will see the UAE firm leverage Gecko’s AI-driven software in areas such as energy and public infrastructure.
Speaking on the Kenya investment, Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, said: “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.”
