Partnerships with advanced technology nations can accelerate Africa’s digital transformation by bringing in expertise, infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. This helps build local capacity, allowing African nations to become more self-reliant and competitive globally in fields like tech manufacturing and innovation.

Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 15 with the Korea Electronic Association (KEA) to establish a $1.4 million tech manufacturing support center at Konza Technopolis. This initiative aims to accelerate local tech production and further establish Kenya as a technology hub in Africa. The center will support product launches, workforce training, and local production of high-tech products from leading Korean companies.

John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, emphasized the center’s potential to advance the region’s tech landscape, citing it as a “testament to our take off as we expect substantial investment by korea companies in the electronics and IT ecosystem.”

The center’s construction, expected to take two to three years, will be managed by KEA, which represents over 370 major Korean tech firms, including Samsung and LG Electronics. The project will unfold in four stages: initial planning, electronics manufacturing training, equipment installation, and operational expansion with enterprise support.

In its ECONOMIC SURVEY 2024, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the Information and Communication sector contributed 9.3% to GDP in 2023. To diversify the economy, the government aims to see this sector take on greater economic value. It has been undertaking policy reforms and major infrastructure projects to this end for several years to attract investors. This Tech Manufacturing Hub is one of the manifestations of this ambition.

The center is set to support the annual launch of 30 tech products, reducing average production time to six months. It also aims to train approximately 100 individuals while supporting over 100 local businesses. This collaboration reflects Kenya’s strategy to harness technology for economic growth, create jobs, and enhance its role in Africa’s digital economy.

Hikmatu Bilali