Microsoft Corp. and G42 have announced a significant digital investment in Kenya, marking the largest private sector digital investment in the country’s history. The $1 billion investment will support various initiatives outlined in a comprehensive package aimed at promoting economic development in East Africa.
One of the key components of the investment is the construction of a next-generation green data center by G42 and its partners, which will run Microsoft Azure in a new East African cloud region. The initiative will also focus on the development and research of AI models in the local language, establishment of an innovation lab for AI digital skills training, investments in local and international connectivity, and collaboration with the Kenyan government to provide secure cloud services across East Africa.
The partnership will be formalized with a letter of intent signed during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States. This agreement, developed with the assistance of the US and the United Arab Emirates governments, signifies a strong commitment to digital empowerment and economic growth in the region.
One of the key projects under the investment is the development of a sustainable data center infrastructure in Olkaria, Kenya, which will be powered by renewable geothermal energy and state-of-the-art technology. The data center will enable access to Microsoft Azure services through a new East Africa Cloud Region, supporting businesses, customers, and partners in Kenya and beyond.
The collaboration between Microsoft, G42, and the Kenyan government aims to bridge the digital divide and accelerate technological innovation in the region. Through initiatives such as the East African Innovation Lab and capacity support programs, startups, entrepreneurs, and organizations will receive mentorship and training to deploy cloud and AI services effectively.
Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance internet connectivity in Kenya, with plans to expand access to last-mile wireless internet services to millions of people in the region. The focus on digital security and privacy is also a key aspect of the partnership, with the establishment of a “trusted data zone” to ensure data protection and security in the new cloud region.
Overall, the investment signifies a significant step towards promoting digital transformation and economic development in Kenya and East Africa. The partnership between Microsoft, G42, and the Kenyan government highlights a shared vision for a digitally empowered future where technology plays a key role in driving growth and innovation.
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https://news.microsoft.com/2024/05/22/microsoft-and-g42-announce-1-billion-comprehensive-digital-ecosystem-initiative-for-kenya/