William Kabogo has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in technology, innovation and digital transformation as the country continues positioning itself as a leading ICT hub in Africa.
Speaking during a series of high-level engagements held alongside the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kabogo hosted Bosun Tijani for a courtesy visit aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration between Kenya and Nigeria in the information and communications technology sector.
The two leaders held discussions centered on expanding cooperation in digital innovation, knowledge exchange, regional integration and technology-driven economic growth. They also explored opportunities for joint initiatives that could accelerate Africa’s digital transformation agenda and strengthen ties between the continent’s leading technology economies.
During the meeting, Dr. Tijani praised Kenya’s rapid advancement in technology and digital infrastructure, particularly the government’s ongoing implementation of the 100,000-kilometre national fibre optic connectivity programme, which is expected to expand internet access and boost digital inclusion across the country.
Kabogo reiterated sentiments earlier expressed by William Ruto during the official opening of the summit, emphasizing that Africa’s economic progress should be driven by Africans through the strategic use of local talent, innovation, resources and home-grown solutions.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that stronger collaboration between African nations would be critical in unlocking new opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, adding that continued engagements between Kenya and Nigeria would help drive inclusive digital growth across the continent.
In a separate engagement, Kabogo welcomed a delegation from Peach Payments led by Kenya Country Head Tejpal Bedi during a courtesy visit to the Ministry headquarters.
The discussions focused on strengthening digital payment systems, promoting financial inclusion and supporting secure cross-border trade through innovative financial technology solutions.
Kabogo acknowledged the growing role of fintech companies in simplifying digital transactions and enabling businesses and consumers across Africa to access secure and efficient payment platforms.
The meeting also explored possible areas of collaboration in advancing Kenya’s digital economy agenda and expanding access to digital financial services for more citizens and enterprises.
Among those present were Rahul Jain and Sandeep Chagger.
At the summit, Kabogo also participated in a high-level roundtable discussion on Artificial Intelligence and emerging digital technologies chaired by Duma Boko.
The session brought together African heads of state, cabinet ministers, technology experts and senior government officials to deliberate on how Artificial Intelligence can accelerate economic transformation, innovation and inclusive growth across the continent.
Leaders at the forum noted that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to contribute up to five percent to the economic growth of countries if supported by effective policies, sound regulatory frameworks and strategic investment in digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
The roundtable further emphasized the importance of establishing robust AI governance systems to safeguard data privacy, enhance data protection and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Participants also stressed the need for stronger partnerships between governments, innovators, development partners and the private sector to ensure Africa fully benefits from the opportunities presented by AI and digital transformation.
There was broad consensus among leaders that African countries must urgently work together in developing ethical AI standards, promoting inclusive language technologies and creating practical innovations capable of addressing everyday socio-economic challenges facing communities across the continent.