Kenya and Uganda have taken a significant step forward by signing an agreement to advance technologies such as satellite networks, ICT training, rural connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
The collaboration will commence immediately, with technical teams from both countries working closely together.
This Memorandum of Understanding was finalised during a meeting that included John Mbadi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning; a representative from Angola overseeing Telecommunications and Information Technologies; and Joyce Khasimwa M’maitsi, Kenya’s Ambassador to Angola. This partnership aims to accelerate ICT cooperation between Kenya and Angola.
While reflecting on his recent visit to Angola for the Transformative Week for Financing Africa’s Infrastructure Development, John Tanui, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, noted the impactful discussions he engaged in. These included ministerial dialogues, strategic bilateral meetings, cultural exchanges, and interactions with the Kenyan community in Angola.
On his LinkedIn page, Tanui expressed, “The summit reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to speeding up digital transformation, unlocking infrastructure financing, and enhancing collaboration for mutual prosperity.”
He shared insights from an Investors-Ministerial Roundtable focused on financing Africa’s digital transformation, during which he detailed Kenya’s experience expanding broadband access, enhancing digital public services, and exploring innovative blended financing models.
Key discussion points highlighted the necessity of broadband expansion, as well as the importance of policy and public-private partnership reforms to attract investors and mobilise capital for data centres, fibre-optic networks, Internet exchange points (IXPs), and other vital digital infrastructure.
Tanui emphasised, “These discussions underscored the fact that digital infrastructure is essential for driving Africa’s growth, job creation, and trade.”
