Kenya and Italy collaborate on AI and Investment Cooperation at Rome Business Forum
Date: 2026-04-23
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya
and Italy have held a high-level meeting on the margins of the Italy–Kenya
Business Forum in Rome to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence
and investment.
The
session was co-hosted by Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, in
partnership with Harmonic Innovation Group, NIFC, and the UNDP AI Hub for
Sustainable Development. It brought together policymakers, investors, and
industry stakeholders to explore practical pathways for advancing AI-driven
growth between the two countries.
The
discussions were held in the presence of William Ruto, President of Kenya, and
Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, alongside
leading investors. The focus shifted from dialogue to execution, with emphasis
on mobilising patient capital, strengthening talent development and mobility,
and building trust-based partnerships to drive shared prosperity.
Two
key initiatives were announced during the session. The AI 10B Initiative is
aimed at scaling investment in AI infrastructure, ecosystems, and partnerships,
signalling a move toward more coordinated and large-scale deployment of
resources in the sector. In addition, the Next Generation Africa – NGA Kenya
2026 programme was introduced as an accelerator designed to support local
talent and connect Kenyan innovators to venture capital and European markets.
Participants
highlighted a broader transition from simply attracting investment to building
integrated ecosystems where capital, talent, and innovation can grow in a
mutually reinforcing cycle.
The
engagement underscores deepening ties between Kenya and Italy in the digital
economy, with both sides signalling a commitment to translating strategic
dialogue into tangible outcomes.
