Safaricom has announced a significant investment exceeding $500 million to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure across East Africa. The announcement was made by Cynthia Kropac, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, at the ongoing Connected Summit in Diani, Kwale County.
This strategic move underscores Safaricom’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the region.
Kropac, revealed that the investment will focus on developing AI-powered solutions to address key challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. The initiative aims to leverage AI to improve service delivery, enhance productivity, and foster innovation across East Africa.
“This investment is a testament to our dedication to harnessing the power of AI to solve real-world problems and create sustainable solutions for the communities we serve,” said Kropac. “By building robust AI infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a smarter, more connected East Africa.”
In her keynote Kropac address titled Building The Rails For AI: Laying the Foundations for Africa’s Intelligent Economy,Kropacsaid the continent must build AI tools and products that reflect its core values.
“As Africa builds its social and economic future, we must build AI that reflects our values, cultures, and priorities. The question is not whether the world is ready, the real question is: Are we ready to write Africa’s AI story?’’ She said.
The AI infrastructure will include the establishment of data centers, development of AI models, and partnerships with local tech startups to foster innovation. Additionally, Safaricom plans to collaborate with educational institutions to provide training and capacity-building programs, ensuring a skilled workforce to support the growing demand for AI expertise.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders, who view the investment as a significant step towards positioning East Africa as a leader in AI innovation. The initiative aligns with regional goals to promote digital inclusion and economic growth through technology.
As Safaricom moves forward with this ambitious project, the company remains focused on its mission to drive digital transformation and empower communities across East Africa through innovative AI solutions.
The Connected Africa Summit, an annual event hosted hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy in partnership with the ICT Authority of Kenya, has drawn over 2,000 delegates, including government officials, business leaders, academics, and development sector representatives. The summit serves as a platform to discuss unified ICT policies and digital inclusion, with Safaricom’s announcement marking a pivotal moment in Africa’s technological evolution.