In a landmark move to propel Africa’s digital and green transformation, the Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Kenya School of Government, Konza Technopolis, and the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, has inaugurated the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling alongside the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. This initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to harnessing technological innovation for sustainable development across the continent.
President William S. Ruto emphasized Africa’s abundant resources and innovative talent, which have yet to be fully leveraged for the continent’s socio-economic advancement. He stated, “Through the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, we can harness emerging technological opportunities and invest in ideas that propel Africa as the next frontier of tech-enabled response to the impacts of climate change and enhanced public service delivery.”
These initiatives align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, envisioning a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Africa driven by science, technology, and innovation. By empowering startups to lead the green transition and equipping civil servants with essential digital skills, Africa can develop inclusive, people-centered solutions for the 21st century and beyond.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Regional Director, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, highlighted the immense potential of Africa’s green and climate tech sectors, which face challenges such as limited access to capital, fragmented markets, and insufficient infrastructure. She noted that UNDP, through the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub, will leverage the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) and the UAE’s $4.5 billion finance initiative launched at the Africa Climate Summit to unlock Africa’s green energy potential.
Winnie Karanu, AI National Skills Director at Microsoft, emphasized the necessity of visionary collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of Africa’s green and digital transition. She stated, “Equipping Africa with the necessary technological skills, resources, and tools is pivotal to bridging the digital divide to create solutions that serve the public good and the continent’s progress in achieving both the Global Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.”
Professor Nura Mohamed, Director General of the Kenya School of Government, highlighted the role of the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling in revitalizing excellence and efficiency in public institutions. The center aims to train 100,000 civil servants in Kenya during its first phase, with plans to include participants from Uganda, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. This initiative is set to transform how the public sector across the continent engages with the digital world and emerging technologies.
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub, stating, “Konza is more than a tech hub; it represents Kenya’s commitment to a sustainable future where innovation fuels economic growth.” He looks forward to welcoming innovators from across the continent to Africa’s Silicon Savannah, where they can develop and scale ideas that will positively impact Africa’s climate action and response.
The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub will leverage the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), a $4.5 billion finance initiative launched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the Africa Climate Summit. This initiative brings together private, public, and development capital to unlock Africa’s green energy potential, addressing significant barriers such as limited access to risk capital and insufficient infrastructure.
The launch of the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling and the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub represents a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including the Government of Kenya, UNDP, Microsoft, Google, and other partners. This partnership aims to foster a culture of digital experimentation and ideation, enabling both private and public sectors to leverage data-driven decision-making and policy-making processes, thereby enhancing Africa’s competitiveness.
The establishment of the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling and the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward digital and green transformation. By harnessing technological innovation and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, Africa is poised to address pressing challenges such as climate change and public service delivery, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.