Italy and Kenya Forge AI Alliance to Drive Africa’s Digital Transformation

Italy Bets on Kenya for AI Leadership in Africa

Date: 27 May 2025

Italy is strengthening its digital partnership with Kenya, positioning the country as a key player in artificial intelligence development across Africa. The collaboration focuses on bridging gaps in digital infrastructure and boosting sustainable development through AI.

Strategic Mission to Kenya

Italian Undersecretary for Business, Fausta Bergamotto, led a mission to Kenya, accompanied by Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali. Their objective was clear: deepen technological collaboration and support Kenya's ambition to become a regional hub for computing.

During the visit, Bergamotto met with Kenya’s Special Envoy for Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, to discuss joint efforts on digitalisation and sustainable development. Italy recognizes Kenya’s growing data centre network, strong submarine cable connectivity, and dynamic digital ecosystem as key assets for advancing Africa’s digital landscape.

From Digital Divide to AI Hub

At the Compute Dialogue in Nairobi, Bergamotto highlighted the digital divide facing Africa. Despite representing 17% of the global population, Africa holds only 1% of global data centre capacity. Furthermore, only 5% of African data scientists have access to sufficient computational resources.

To address this, Italy, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission, is launching the AI Hub for Sustainable Development in Rome on 20 June. This hub will serve as a connection point between African startups and global AI companies, acting as a central feature of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

Kenya’s Role in the AI Hub

Kenya has accepted an invitation to join the governance board of the AI Hub, signaling its commitment to shaping the continent’s AI future. Bergamotto also visited the Italian-funded E4Impact incubation centre, engaging with 20 startups and innovation groups such as ASSEK and ACIH. A site visit to the Italian ICM Group’s construction project and Konza Smart City showcased Italy’s involvement in sustainable urban development in Kenya.

Looking Ahead

This mission is part of Italy’s broader strategy to build a structured, development-focused partnership with Africa, emphasizing shared economic growth, digital transformation, and industrial cooperation. European Parliament President Robert Metsola described the Mattei Plan for Africa as a “model” for the European Union, with Kenya holding a priority position within this framework.

Executives and strategy leaders should watch this partnership closely. It offers opportunities to engage with emerging markets, leverage new AI ecosystems, and participate in Africa’s digital infrastructure development—key factors for future growth and innovation.

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