Microsoft Partners UAE-Based AI Firm G42 to Invest $1bn in Kenya

Tech giant Microsoft has partnered with UAE-based AI firm G42 to invest $1 billion in a data center in Kenya, as part of efforts to expand cloud-computing service to bridge the digital divide in East Africa.

The deal was signed during Kenya’s President William Ruto visit to the U.S who emphasized on the partnership potential to empower every Kenyan citizen and position the country as digital leader in Africa.

The data center, which will be built by G42 and its partners, will be powered by geothermal energy and provide access to Microsoft’s Azure through a new cloud region for East Africa.

The partnership focuses on four key pillars which include;

• Developing Al for local needs: Swahili and English Al models will be created to cater to Kenya’s unique linguistic landscape. This effort will involve collaboration with universities across Kenya, East Africa, and Abu Dhabi.

• Fostering innovation: An East African Innovation Lab in Nairobi will be established to support regional startups and businesses in developing and deploying cloud and Al solutions.

• Bridging the digital divide: Microsoft and G42, alongside local partners, aim to equip Kenyans with the necessary digital and Al skills through training programs.

• Enhancing connectivity: The collaboration will see continued efforts to expand internet access across Kenya and East Africa, to reach 20 million Kenyans and 50 million East Africans by the end of 2025.

The agreement also emphasizes digital safety and security. A “trusted data zone” adhering to global standards will be established to safeguard data privacy. Kenya will leverage the new data center and cloud services for government operations while adopting a “cloud-first” policy to encourage wider cloud adoption.