Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged African countries to embrace cutting-edge technologies and enhance collaboration with the private sector to drive the continent’s socio-economic progress.
At the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII) Forum in Nairobi, the professor asserted that globalization as the sole defining era has concluded. He projected that the coming forty years will be characterized by “people-centered transformation” powered by innovation and strategic investment.
A key aspect of the Deputy President’s speech was the imperative for a green industrial revolution. Kindiki pointed out that despite Africa’s abundant natural wealth, there exists a substantial gap between present production and industrial demands, with current renewable energy capacity at 56 gigawatts compared to the required 300 gigawatts needed for large-scale manufacturing.
“Relying solely on public sector reforms will not be viable moving forward,” Kindiki emphasized. “We need to harness the private sector’s expertise and resources to combine forces and advance global development.”
The Deputy President presented Kenya as a model for renewable energy implementation worldwide. He revealed that 93% of Kenya’s electricity comes from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar power.
According to him, this clean energy framework positions Kenya as an “attractive option” for global investors seeking to create low-carbon manufacturing centers.
In addition to industrial energy needs, the Forum addressed the household energy crisis impacting numerous communities. Kindiki presented a stark situation: nearly one billion Africans cannot access clean cooking methods, and 600 million people still live without electricity.
Consequently, the Deputy President introduced three significant programs: The Institutional Clean Cooking Investment Sector Pack, Kenya’s National Cooking Transition Strategy, and The Burn Manufacturing Electric Cookstove.
Kindiki clarified that Kenya is shifting its domestic energy strategy, considering clean cooking not a “charitable endeavor,” but rather a strategic green investment capable of fostering economic advancement while preserving ecological balance.
The AGII Forum functions as a vital mechanism for transitioning from theoretical policy dialogues to “viable investment prospects.” By enabling actual business deals in sustainable sectors and green supply chains, the effort strives to connect Africa’s potential with its industrial capabilities.