Tech giants Microsoft and G42 the UAE’s leading AI firm are partnering up to establish an East Africa Innovation Lab in Nairobi and construct a state-of-the-art green data centre in Kenya.

Kenya’s tech scene is experiencing a remarkable surge, with a growing demand for cloud and infrastructure for ai services to fuel innovation. This landmark partnership aims to meet this demand and accelerate digital transformation across East Africa.

East Africa Innovation Lab: Empowering Local Innovation

The East Africa Innovation Lab, a collaborative effort by Microsoft and G42, will be a hub for nurturing local talent and promoting cutting-edge technological solutions.

This Nairobi-based lab will play a crucial role in facilitating the development and implementation of cloud and AI services specifically tailored to the needs of businesses and organisations in East Africa.

But the impact goes beyond just creating new technologies. The Innovation Lab will also focus on equipping Kenyans with the necessary skills to navigate the world of cloud computing and AI.

This could involve mentorship programmes, workshops, and collaborations with universities and tech institutions to cultivate a skilled tech workforce ready to take on the future.

Green Data Centre and Cloud Expansion

The partnership extends beyond the Innovation Lab, with a focus on building a robust and sustainable digital infrastructure for East Africa.

A joint venture by Microsoft and G42 will see the construction of a green data centre in Kenya, valued at a remarkable Ksh132 billion($1 billion ). This commitment to sustainability underlines the responsible approach being taken to power the region’s digital transformation.

The data centre, set to be operational within two years of final agreements being signed, will form the backbone of the new East Africa Cloud Region.

As part of Kenyan to’s official visit to the United States, a formal letter of intent formalising the relationship will be signed on Friday. This will be the first state visit to Washington, D.C. by a sitting African head of state in nearly two decades.

The US and UAE governments assisted in the creation of the letter of intent, which will be signed by Microsoft, G42, and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.

“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,”1President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, stated

This reliable and eco-friendly infrastructure will provide the foundation for the expansion of cloud services across the region, opening doors for businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of the cloud.

Microsoft plans to enhance service delivery for Kenyan clients by utilising this new cloud computing power to establish an Azure product area in East Africa. Demand will increase as a result of the Kenyan government’s decision to shift more services to the cloud.

Broader Collaboration: AI for Social Impact

The Microsoft-G42 partnership extends beyond building infrastructure and fostering innovation. The collaboration aims to address broader social and economic challenges in East Africa through the power of cloud and AI solutions.

Imagine AI-driven tools that can help farmers optimise fertiliser usage for better food security or utilise satellite data and AI for disaster preparedness and response. These are just a few examples of the potential impact this partnership can have on improving lives across the region.

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The Future of Digital Transformation in Kenya

The establishment of the East Africa Innovation Lab, the construction of the green data centre, and the broader collaboration between Microsoft and G42 paint a promising picture for ai kenya digital future.

This initiative has the potential to position Kenya as a leader in East Africa’s digital revolution, empowering local innovation, promoting a skilled workforce, and addressing real-world challenges through cutting-edge technologies.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the East Africa Innovation Lab and the green data centre.