Kenya Moves to Position Itself as Africa’s Software Export Hub with AI Summit in Eldoret
Government targets digital services as the next major foreign exchange earner.
Kenya is set to host its first Software and Artificial Intelligence Summit in November 2025, as the government intensifies efforts to shift the country from a consumer of technology to a global exporter of software solutions and digital talent.
The three-day summit, scheduled for November 10–12, 2025 at Moi University Annex Campus in Eldoret, is expected to attract participants from Asia, Europe, America and across Africa, including policymakers, investors, tech multinationals, and AI research institutions.
The announcement followed a high-level planning meeting chaired by ICT Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui and Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok, alongside Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, representatives from tech hubs, the Uasin Gishu County Government and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
PS Tanui said the summit aligns with the government’s strategy to grow the digital economy and expand Kenya’s export base beyond traditional commodities.
“Kenya is widely known for exporting tea and coffee, but we now want to tap into exports of digital services including software development and AI solutions. This is a new frontier where Kenya can rise, create jobs, and export innovation to our region and the world,” he said.
The government is banking on the event to unlock opportunities in software engineering, cloud computing, data science and AI-driven industries, particularly for startups and young developers.
Prof. Bitok termed the summit a milestone in elevating Kenya’s global visibility in emerging technologies.
“This Summit marks the first time our country is hosting a forum dedicated to software and AI at this scale. It will enable new research, innovation and partnerships. For Eldoret, it is a chance to move from being the city of champions in athletics to a centre of digital excellence,” he said.
The meeting signaled growing collaboration between academia, government and the private sector as Kenya accelerates plans to develop local AI talent pipelines, attract foreign investment and establish innovation-led exports.
Preparations for the summit are underway, with exhibitors, development partners and delegates already confirming attendance. Organisers say the forum will feature startup showcases, policy roundtables, hackathons and investor deal rooms focused on scalable African software solutions.
If successful, the summit is expected to position Kenya as a leading producer of software talent and a regional hub for AI-driven innovation reinforcing ongoing initiatives such as Konza Technopolis, the digital superhighway programme, and the government’s pledge to train one million youth in digital skills.
