Kenya is set to host the Connected Africa Summit 2025, a pivotal continental event aimed at breaking down digital barriers and fostering innovation across the African continent.

The upcoming event will showcase Kenya's bold vision for continental digital transformation, with several groundbreaking initiatives set to take centre stage.

ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui, while speaking during a press conference to provide an update on the upcoming Connected Africa Summit 2025 and revealed ambitious plans to transform the digital landscape through collaborative efforts.

"As Kenya, we must now shift our focus more intentionally to the continent. Our companies, professionals and institutions must expand their horizons to serve across borders," Tanui emphasised, highlighting the summit's continental ambition.

The country has made significant strides in digital infrastructure, with plans to deploy 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic network and leverage existing infrastructure like Kenya Power's 300,000-kilometre network.

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"Our data shows that exports of services in our country have already surpassed the exports of goods," Tanui noted, underscoring Kenya's emerging digital economic power.

The ICT sector now generates over $1 billion in annual service exports.

Most notably, Tanui highlighted Kenya's emerging role in global tech manufacturing.

Local companies like EADAK and M-Kopa are now producing phones domestically, while the country has attracted major global tech players.

Tanui noted that Microsoft's Africa Development Centre, Amazon Web Services, and Apple's Authorised Training Centre have all established operations in Kenya, positioning the country as a software and technology hub.

"We are looking forward to work with some of the global multinational and other agencies to further position the Connected Africa summit to be a global event," Tanui declared, signalling the summit's global aspirations.

The summit will focus on the landmark 2023 Nairobi Declaration, which outlined commitments in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

Kenya has already developed a comprehensive AI strategy and is actively implementing it.


According to Tanue, Public connectivity has seen dramatic improvements, with over 25,000 WiFi hotspots deployed and Currently, 400,000 Kenyans daily and over 2 million monthly benefit from these public WiFi infrastructures, creating opportunities for e-commerce and digital learning.


The Connected Africa Summit 2025, scheduled from 26th to 29th May at the Diamond Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani, promises to be a pivotal moment in Africa's digital transformation journey, with Kenya leading the charge.