Microsoft Corporation and G42, a prominent AI company in the United Arab Emirates, have joined forces to establish a state-of-the-art data center in Kenya.
The project, valued at $1 billion, will utilize geothermal power and aims to enhance cloud computing capacity and services in East Africa.
G42 will spearhead the initial investment and construction of the facility in Olkaria, a region in Kenya known for its abundant geothermal resources.
This strategic choice seeks to address the issue of power outages prevalent in the continent while aligning with Microsoft’s environmental goals. The first phase of the project, expected to be operational within two years, will have a capacity of 100 megawatts.
In an effort to facilitate this initiative, Microsoft, G42, and Kenyan officials are scheduled to sign a letter of intent, which has been developed with support from the US and UAE governments.
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, emphasized the significance of this venture in further integrating digital technology into Kenya’s history.
Smith also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with G42, highlighting the potential milestones that can be achieved by jointly promoting digital technology advancements in Africa.
