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Kenya inks partnership with UAE to boost digital economy

President William Ruto witnesses the signing of a pact between Kenya's EcoCloud and UAE's G42 that will see the construction of a 1GW mega data centre. (X/William Ruto)

By Rading Biko | Wednesday, March 6, 2024

President Ruto presided over the signing ceremony at State House-Nairobi, marking a significant milestone between Kenya's EcoCloud and UAE's G42.

Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have inked a historic memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing youth opportunities through the development of Kenya's first-ever geothermal energy-powered data centre.

President William Ruto presided over the signing ceremony at State House-Nairobi, marking a significant milestone between Kenya's EcoCloud and UAE's G42.

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The collaboration is set to propel Kenya's digital economy to unprecedented heights with the construction of a 1GW mega data centre.

EcoCloud CEO Amos Siwoi emphasized the eco-friendly aspect of the project, stating, "By harnessing geothermal energy, we not only meet the region's data demands but also establish a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure."

According to G42 Group CEO Peng Xiao, the geothermal-powered data centre represents a crucial step in realizing Kenya's potential as a global digital hub, aligning with its mission to democratize intelligence worldwide.

EcoCloud, renowned for its data centre solutions, partners with G42, a global leader in visionary artificial intelligence.

The initiative aims to tap into Kenya's vast geothermal potential by initially establishing a 100MW facility, with plans for future expansion.

At full capacity, the data centre will significantly reduce Kenya's reliance on fossil fuels, curb carbon emissions, and contribute to environmental preservation.

UAE Ambassador to Kenya Salim Ibrahim Binahmed Mohamed Alnaqbi also graced the signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of collaboration in fostering bilateral ties and technological advancement.

A recent report by DigiTruck highlights the positive impact of digital literacy training on Kenyan youth. Over 4,000 individuals equipped with digital skills through the DigiTruck program reported a rise in income after engaging in e-commerce, online marketing, and other online ventures.

The initiative, a collaboration between Huawei's DigiTruck program and various Kenyan government agencies and telecom providers, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower the youth with essential skills for the digital age.