In a significant step toward advancing Africa’s inclusive digital and green transformation, the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy (MICDE) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Kenya School of Government, Konza Technopolis, and the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, has launched the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling and the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub.
Overseen by President William Samoei Ruto, the official launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub at Konza Technopolis highlighted 43 African startups from 14 countries, dedicated to advancing green technology. The hub aims to:
- Mobilise and invest USD 1 billion over the next decade
- Support 10,000 startups, scaling over 1,000
- Impact 100 million livelihoods across the African continent
John-Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, pointed out:
Konza is more than a tech hub; it represents Kenya’s commitment to a sustainable future where innovation fuels economic growth. As a symbol of forward-thinking and a beacon of digital transformation, we are thrilled to host the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. We look forward to welcoming innovators from across our continent to Africa’s Silicon Savannah where they can ideate, test and bring to scale ideas that will positively enhance Africa’s climate action and response
President Ruto noted:
Africa is endowed with abundant resources, innovation and talent; yet, these resources have not been utilised to fully benefit the socio-economic ambitions of our continent. 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. Our collaboration with UNDP and other partners on these critical initiatives represents a significant leap towards realising Africa’s digital and green transformation