Kenya Unveils Africa Centre for AI and GreenTech to Lead Innovation and Sustainability
Kenya has launched the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling and the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub with the aim of advancing digital innovation and driving green transformation.
The initiative, unveiled on Friday, December 6, at Konza Technopolis by President William Ruto, aims to position Africa as a global leader in technology-driven solutions and sustainable development.
Speaking on Friday during the launch,President William Ruto has highlighted Africa’s untapped potential during the launch.
“Africa is rich with resources, innovation and talent, yet these remain underutilized. The Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling will harness technology to tackle climate change, enhance public service delivery, and drive transformative progress across the continent,” he said.
Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the initiative focuses on empowering startups and civil servants with cutting-edge skills to foster inclusive development and green industrialization.
The Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub, located in Kenya’s Konza Technopolis dubbed _Africa’s Silicon Savannah_ will support startups in renewable energy and climate tech innovation.
Making her remarks on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Africa Regional Director Ahunna Eziakonwa underscored the continent’s potential in climate tech.
“Africa’s ingenuity and talent can lead a socio-economic revolution. The GreenTech Hub will provide vital support to startups, scaling renewable energy solutions and leveraging programs like the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII) and the UAE’s $4.5 billion climate finance program,” she stated.
Complementing the GreenTech Hub, the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling will train over 100,000 Kenyan civil servants in its initial phase, with plans to expand to Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, and beyond.
The program, supported by Microsoft and Google, seeks to close the digital divide and prepare Africa’s workforce for the future.
Concurrently,Konza Technopolis CEO John Okwiri, termed the hub as a beacon of innovation.
“Konza represents Kenya’s commitment to a future where technology fuels economic growth and climate action,” he said.
By fostering cross-border collaboration and empowering startups, Kenya’s latest initiative marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey toward a sustainable, technology-driven future poised to tackle global challenges.
