NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has launched a pioneering regional hub aimed at revolutionizing Africa’s digital and green transformation.
The new Center of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, located at Konza Technopolis, marks a major step in equipping public sector workers across the continent with critical digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
The center, established by Kenya’s Ministry of ICT in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Microsoft, aims to position Nairobi as a leading force in the global technology landscape.
During the launch, President William Ruto emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools, calling the initiative a cornerstone of Africa’s innovation and governance.
“This center solidifies our position as a technology leader,” Ruto said. “It will not only enhance service delivery but also bolster regional collaboration and drive innovation in Africa’s public sector.”
The training center’s curriculum is designed to address specific public sector needs, with participants drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Cape Verde in its initial phase.
Plans are in place to expand the program to other African countries by next year.
The center’s goal is to train at least 100,000 civil servants, equipping them with essential digital and AI skills through both in-person and online sessions.
The program goes beyond skilling to foster cross-country knowledge sharing and collaboration.
It aims to promote the adoption of advanced technologies, enhance data-driven decision-making, and improve public service efficiency.
By embedding digital fluency in governance, the center hopes to rebuild trust between governments and citizens while driving sustainable development.
In addition to promoting digital innovation, the center aligns with efforts to drive Africa’s green economic transformation.
The launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub complements this initiative, focusing on fostering green innovation, creating jobs, and addressing challenges such as clean energy access.
These efforts support Africa’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.
The launch comes as global corporate investment in AI since 2020 nears $1 trillion, with the market expected to surpass $1 trillion in size by 2028.
Experts believe that AI adoption can significantly boost public sector performance, improve governance, and unlock economic opportunities across Africa.
The new Center of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, located at Konza Technopolis, marks a major step in equipping public sector workers across the continent with critical digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
The center, established by Kenya’s Ministry of ICT in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Microsoft, aims to position Nairobi as a leading force in the global technology landscape.
During the launch, President William Ruto emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools, calling the initiative a cornerstone of Africa’s innovation and governance.
“This center solidifies our position as a technology leader,” Ruto said. “It will not only enhance service delivery but also bolster regional collaboration and drive innovation in Africa’s public sector.”
The training center’s curriculum is designed to address specific public sector needs, with participants drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Cape Verde in its initial phase.
Plans are in place to expand the program to other African countries by next year.
The center’s goal is to train at least 100,000 civil servants, equipping them with essential digital and AI skills through both in-person and online sessions.
The program goes beyond skilling to foster cross-country knowledge sharing and collaboration.
It aims to promote the adoption of advanced technologies, enhance data-driven decision-making, and improve public service efficiency.
By embedding digital fluency in governance, the center hopes to rebuild trust between governments and citizens while driving sustainable development.
In addition to promoting digital innovation, the center aligns with efforts to drive Africa’s green economic transformation.
The launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub complements this initiative, focusing on fostering green innovation, creating jobs, and addressing challenges such as clean energy access.
These efforts support Africa’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.
The launch comes as global corporate investment in AI since 2020 nears $1 trillion, with the market expected to surpass $1 trillion in size by 2028.
Experts believe that AI adoption can significantly boost public sector performance, improve governance, and unlock economic opportunities across Africa.
