UAE – Mubasher: Microsoft Corporation and UAE’s G42 announced an initial invetments of $1 billion in digitalisation projects in Kenya in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.

The agreed-upon projects include building green data center by G42 and its partners to run Microsoft Azure, according to a press release.

G42, Microsoft, and their partners will collaborate with the Kenyan government on local-language AI model development and research.

The partnership also includes an East Africa Innovation Lab, extensive AI digital skills training, investments in international and local connectivity, and support for secure cloud services across East Africa.

A letter of intent (LoI) formalising the relationship will be signed on 24 May 2024 during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the US.

The agreement, crafted with assistance from the US and UAE governments, 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,” President Ruto stated.

Brad Smith, President and Vice Chairman of Microsoft, said: “This represents the single largest and broadest digital investment in Kenya’s history and reflects our confidence in the country, the government, its people and the future of East Africa.”

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, noted: “This initiative will empower the Kenyan government and communities with robust, secure cloud services and AI capabilities, providing the foundation for a thriving digital economy across the region.”

In April 2024, Microsoft unveiled $1.50 billion in investments in G42, a UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company.