In a bid to establish Kenya as a leading tech hub in Africa, Kenyan authorities are forging multiple partnerships with various stakeholders from the United States, China, and South Korea.

Kenya has secured $238 million from Korea Eximbank to invest in the Konza Technopolis smart city. The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Summit 2024, held on Tuesday, June 4, and Wednesday, June 5, in Ilsan and Seoul, South Korea.

"The government of Kenya and Korea Exim Bank, represented by Executive Director and Board Member H.E. Hwang Kiyeon, signed two funding agreements amounting to US$ 238M for the financing of Konza Digital Media City project to establish a cutting edge film and creative economy hub at Konza Technopolis," stated Korir Sing'Oei [photo, left], Kenya's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Previously known as Konza Technology City, Konza Technopolis was launched by the Kenyan government in 2012. It is part of the Kenya Vision 2030 national development plan, which aims, among other goals, to position the country as a technological leader in Africa. Supported by the World Bank through the International Finance Corporation, this smart city project includes advanced ICT infrastructure, innovation centers, and digital training programs.

Upon taking office in 2022, President William Ruto sought to revitalize the Konza Technopolis project. "The administration will strengthen Konza Technopolis to bring together industry, academic institutions and other innovators to co-invest in emerging technologies to create high-quality jobs that leverage on artificial intelligence, robotics and other technologies and thus enhance our regional and global competitiveness," he said in 2022.

Adoni Conrad Quenum