Nairobi,
Saturday March 30, 2024,
KNA by Rachael Kilonzo
Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an ICT Investment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on digitalization and technology.
This follows the signing of a MOU by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Mr. Eliud Owalo and H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment of the UAE in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Speaking during the signing Ceremony, CS Owalo who was accompanied by ICT and The Digital Economy Principal Secretary, Eng. John Tanui stated that the comprehensive framework for cooperation outlined in the MOU marks a significant milestone as both parties commit to fostering closer ties, while exploring ICT investment partnerships and advancing digital infrastructure projects.
“Kenya’s digital economy has witnessed rapid expansion, propelled by a robust ICT sector. This partnership between our nations is a game-changer, paving the way for significant ICT investment in Kenya’s data centre infrastructure. It will create new job opportunities and empower Kenyan citizens with the latest digital tools.
The signing of the MOU lays the foundation for the development of state-of-the-art data centers, with the potential to significantly enhance Kenya’s digital infrastructure capacity and resilience. These data centers, capable of serving millions of users, are fundamental to shaping Kenya’s digital future,” said CS Owalo.
He noted that the co-operation extends to the field of Artificial Intelligence and large Language Models which is in line with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), that has prioritized the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, with a specific focus on equipping the youth with digital skills for digitally-enabled jobs and digital entrepreneurship.
CS Owalo further emphasized that in the spirit of mutual growth and shared prosperity, this MOU is a stepping stone towards a brighter, more connected and digitally-empowered future for both 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,” added CS Owalo.
Alsuwaidi emphasized the remarkable opportunities presented by closer co-operation between the two nations.
“A closer partnership between our two nations harbors remarkable opportunities in numerous fields that can contribute to the continued strengthening and advancement of our economies,” he stated.
“Through targeted investments in digital infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence, this Investment Memorandum is set to accelerate the development of a sector that has the potential to become a growth driver for other industries, setting out a vision for the future defined by prosperity and progress,” added Alsuwaidi.
Other officials in attendance were Mr. Cosmas Kimutai Sigei, Charge d’Affaires, Kenya Embassy, Abu Dhabi; Ms. Annette Kerubo Nyakora, Senior State Counsel, State Department for ICT and The Digital Economy and Mr. Lawrence Lelei, Trade Attaché, Kenya Embassy, Abu Dhabi.
The UAE delegation was also represented by H.E. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary Ministry of Investments; Mr. Abdalla Alobeidli, Director of Investment Policy and Legislation; and Mrs. Farha Al Shamsi.