By Winnie Kamau
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an ICT Investment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on digitalization and technology.
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 United Arab Emirates, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abu Dhabi.
The MOU marks a significant milestone, outlining a comprehensive framework for investment co-operation in digitalization and technology between the two nations. Under the MOU, both parties commit to fostering closer ties, while exploring ICT investment partnerships and advancing digital infrastructure projects.
Digital EconomyKenya’s digital economy has witnessed rapid expansion, propelled by a robust ICT sector.
During the signing ceremony, CS Owalo stated, “This partnership between our nations is a game-changer, paving the way for significant ICT investment in Kenya’s data center 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.
His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment of the UAE, emphasized the remarkable opportunities presented by closer cooperation 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. 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” he stated.
These data centers, capable of serving millions of users, are fundamental to shaping Kenya’s digital future. However, the co-operation extends to the field of Artificial Intelligence and large Language Models. The MOU is valid for five years, with provision for renewal.
“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” the CS emphasized.
The Kenyan delegation led by CS Eliud Owalo included Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT & Digital Economy Cosmas Kimutai Sigei, Charge d’Affaires, Kenya Embassy, Abu Dhabi Annette Kerubo Nyakora, Senior State Counsel, State Department for ICT & Digital Economy Lawrence Lelei, Trade Attaché, Kenya Embassy, Abu Dhabi.
While the UAE delegation was led by H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, accompanied H.E. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, UnderSecretary Ministry of Investments, Abdalla Alobeidli, Director of Investment Policy and Legislation, Farha Al Shamsi, Director of Communication.
