Kenya and Italy Deepen Ties with Launch of AI Hub for Sustainable Development

Kenya and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative innovation with the upcoming launch of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development in Rome on June 20. The initiative, which emerged from Italy’s G7 presidency, aims to harness artificial intelligence as a tool for sustainable progress across Africa.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, highlighted the strategic partnership between the two nations. “AI is shaping how we live, work, and relate, and it’s now a defining issue in international diplomacy. Italy’s leadership in placing AI at the heart of its G7 agenda opened a new chapter for collaboration with Africa,” he stated.

Thigo emphasized Kenya’s pivotal role in the initiative, citing the country’s leadership in digital innovation and green technology. “Kenya is positioning itself as a regional AI hub, thanks to President Ruto’s focus on a tech-driven, green economy,” he said, noting that AI could inject $2.4 billion into Kenya’s GDP by 2030 and create up to 30,000 jobs by 2028.

Hon. Fausta Bergamotto, Undersecretary of State for MiMIT Italy’s Secretary General, present at the briefing, expressed optimism about Kenya’s inclusion in the governance of the Rome-based AI Hub.

“Kenya has the infrastructure, talent, and innovation ecosystem needed to lead Africa’s AI revolution. We are delighted Ambassador Thigo will join us in shaping the hub’s strategic direction,” she said.

The collaboration extends to initiatives like the African Green Computing Coalition, co-created with Kenyan innovators such as Axiom and Kitabu, to ensure AI development aligns with environmental and sustainable development goals.

Both countries agreed that inclusive governance, international cooperation, and grassroots innovation are essential to shaping an equitable digital future.

A New Era for Africa’s AI Ecosystem Begins with Launch of International Hub

By Sharon Atieno