The European Union (EU) and Kenya launched the EU-Kenya digital Dialogue yesterday, taking an important step toward strengthening collaboration on digital policy and technological innovation.
With the launch, Kenya becomes the first African country to establish a Digital Dialogue with the EU, joining allies Brazil and Australia.
According to the EU, the dialogue establishes a structured framework for tech collaboration, focusing on the expansion of Kenya’s Digital Superhighway and the integration of the Blue Raman submarine cable.
This Google-led project will connect Italy and France to India via Israel, providing high-capacity data routes that bypass traditional choke-points in Egypt.
This infrastructure is critical for Kenya as it aims to remain as one of the continent's leading innovation hubs, boasting over 53 million mobile subscriptions and more than 42 million internet users.
Supported by a globally recognised mobile money ecosystem, Kenya is currently rolling out 100,000 kilometres of fibre, with 24,000 kilometres already complete alongside 1,450 digital hubs nationwide.
William Kabogo Gitau, cabinet secretary for information, communications and the digital economy, and Renate Nikolay, deputy director-general at the European Commission, outlined the key pillars of the agreement. These include telecommunications infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure.
The initiative aims to facilitate data infrastructure exchanges between universities, SMEs, and industry leaders to strengthen secure digital service delivery across the region.
Since 2021, the EU has committed over $490 million (£375 million) to the East African country’s digital transformation under the Kenya–EU Strategic Dialogue. This supports the Global Gateway strategy to mobilise private sector investment in trusted, secure connectivity.
"Kenya is open for business and ready to engage as a strategic partner with a clear vision and a compelling investment case. This engagement comes at a pivotal moment as we move beyond traditional cooperation towards a more structured and forward-looking relationship anchored on investment, innovation, and alignment of our digital priorities,” stated Gitau.
EU ambassador for Kenya Henriette Geiger emphasised that the dialogue is designed to turn shared ambitions into concrete partnerships, providing practical digital solutions and growth opportunities for businesses on both sides.
“By bringing together policymakers, businesses and innovators, we want to accelerate investment, strengthen digital infrastructure and grow our respective tech ecosystems. Working together, the European Union and Kenya can deliver practical digital solutions that create opportunities for people and businesses on both sides.”
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