Microsoft Corp. and G42 have announced a comprehensive package of digital investments in Kenya, in collaboration with the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. G42 will lead the arrangement of an initial investment of $1 billion to develop various components, including a state-of-the-art green data center to run Microsoft Azure in a new East Africa Cloud Region.
Key Initiatives
The initiative will focus on five main pillars:
- Local-language AI model development and research
- East Africa Innovation Lab and broad AI digital skills training
- International and local connectivity investments
- Collaboration with the Kenyan government to support secure cloud services across East Africa
Signing of Letter of Intent
A letter of intent formalizing the relationship will be signed during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States. This document will be signed between Microsoft, G42, and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, with assistance from the governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Sustainable Data Center Infrastructure
G42, in collaboration with local partners, will design and build a state-of-the-art data center campus in Olkaria, Kenya, powered entirely by renewable geothermal energy. The data center will provide access to Microsoft Azure through a new East Africa Cloud Region, becoming operational within 24 months. This will enable scalable, secure, high-speed cloud and AI services across Kenya and East Africa.
Statements from Leaders
President William Ruto emphasized the partnership’s significance: “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.”
Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, highlighted the investment: “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 chief executive officer of G42, added: “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.”
Development of Swahili/English AI Models
G42 is training an open-source large language AI model in Swahili and English to support Kenya’s cultural and linguistic needs. Microsoft and G42 will collaborate with local universities and research institutes to advance AI research and address economic and societal priorities, including food security, water risk management, climate resilience, and wildlife monitoring.
East Africa Innovation Lab and Skilling Support
Microsoft and G42 will establish an East African Innovation Lab in Nairobi to support startups, entrepreneurs, and organizations in developing cloud and AI services. They will also provide extensive digital and AI skills training across Kenyan society, including programs for government employees, cybersecurity skilling, and business skills for young entrepreneurs.
Internet Connectivity and Digital Safety
Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy will collaborate with Microsoft and G42 to expand internet connectivity. Microsoft aims to provide wireless internet access to 20 million people in Kenya and 50 million across East Africa by the end of 2025. The initiative will also focus on digital safety, privacy, and security, ensuring Kenya’s data center operates as part of a “trusted data zone.”