Microsoft Corporation and G42 have announced a comprehensive digital investment package in Kenya in partnership with the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. As part of this initiative, G42, in collaboration with Microsoft and other stakeholders, will spearhead an initial investment of USD 1 billion. Among the key priorities for Kenya is constructing a state-of-the-art green data centre by G42 and its partners, which will host Microsoft Azure in a new East Africa Cloud Region.
The initiative will include four additional pillars that will be pursued with local partners: (1) local-language AI model development and research; (2) an East Africa Innovation Lab coupled with broad AI digital skills training; (3) international and local connectivity investments; and (4) collaboration with the government of Kenya to support safe and secure cloud services across East Africa.
Furthermore, on the development of Swahili/English AI models and the launch of AI societal to support national economic growth and address Kenya’s cultural and linguistic needs. Utilising its data infrastructure in the United States, G42 is training an open-source large-language AI model in Swahili and English. To further this initiative and accelerate advanced research in Kenya, Microsoft and G42 will enhance their collaboration with local universities through the Microsoft Africa Research Institute, the Microsoft AI for Good Lab, the Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, and select universities from Kenya and East Africa.
The Microsoft AI for Good Lab in Nairobi will leverage AI technology to collaborate with nonprofit organizations and other partners to address economic and societal priorities across East Africa. This initiative will enhance food security by using advanced AI techniques to provide site-specific fertiliser recommendations, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and minimising environmental impacts.
The lab will use high-resolution satellite data to assist the Nature Conservancy (TNC) in monitoring and mitigating water risks for downstream wildlife and communities in northern Kenya. The AI for Good Lab will enhance climate resilience by applying AI models to high-resolution satellite data for disaster preparedness and response in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya Space Agency, and the National Disaster Management Unit. Working with the Smithsonian and Kenya Wildlife Trust, the lab will also use high-resolution satellite imagery and AI to monitor wildlife populations and track livestock expansion near protected areas in East Africa.
