Kenya Hosts Nairobi AI Forum 2026 to Advance Scalable and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence
The Nairobi AI Forum is co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Italy, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, H.E. Hon. William Kabogo Gitau. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The adoption of strong and scalable artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure tailored to Africa’s needs has been identified as a key driver of economic growth and new opportunities for the continent and the global economy.
This was highlighted on Tuesday during the official opening of the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, H.E. Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, E.G.H. The forum is being held under the theme “Accelerating Adoption & Impact: Building Green Scalable AI Infrastructure with Africa’s Innovators.”
The forum seeks to fast-track cross-border partnerships and innovative financing models that support the development of green and sovereign AI infrastructure. Organisers say this approach will help Africa transform its natural and human resource advantages into new industrial economies that promote inclusive and sustainable development.
In his remarks, CS Kabogo emphasized that Kenya places a high priority on harnessing AI and digital technologies to drive national digital transformation, in line with the country’s AI Strategy 2025–2030. He noted that government priorities include promoting responsible and inclusive AI, strengthening digital skills for public sector transformation, and supporting digital entrepreneurship.
Participants attending the two-day forum are exploring integrated approaches to AI infrastructure development, financing and adoption. Discussions are bringing together infrastructure developers, innovators, industry leaders and policymakers to accelerate AI deployment and impact across key sectors.
The Nairobi AI Forum is co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Italy, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It has brought together private sector leaders, innovators, financiers and government representatives from Africa, Italy, the European Union and G7 countries.
Among those in attendance are Italy’s Minister for University and Research, Senator Anna Maria Bernini, Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco, the European Union’s Deputy Head of Delegation to Kenya Mr. Ondrej Simek, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo, as well as regional and global industry players.
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