Kenya and Malaysia are advancing their collaboration in the tech sector as a delegation of 12 Malaysian companies visits Nairobi to explore investment opportunities, particularly in information and communication technology.
During the week-long visit, the delegation toured Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city project, to identify areas for potential partnerships. Speaking during the visit, Mr. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Vice President and Head of Digital Industry Acceleration at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), highlighted the delegation’s focus on industries such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology, digital transformation, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
“We are keen to collaborate with Konza Technopolis as it aligns with our investment focus areas,” Wan Murdani said.
The Malaysian companies specialize in diverse sectors, including risk management, business process outsourcing, digital facility management, and creative arts. IoT platforms designed to support industries such as smart cities, healthcare, and agriculture were also showcased during the visit.
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, welcomed the delegation, noting the synergies between their focus areas and Konza’s mission.
“We are excited about the possibilities for collaboration, especially as we develop the Konza Digital Media City (KDMC), which aims to position Kenya as Africa’s leader in the creative and content industries,” Okwiri said.
Konza Technopolis recently received $284 million in funding from the Korean government to establish the KDMC. The project aims to create a state-of-the-art facility for multimedia training, post-production studios, and digital media enterprises, fostering Kenya’s emerging creative economy.
Additionally, Konza is exploring partnerships with Meraque, a Malaysian company specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to enhance solutions such as surveying, pest control, and goods delivery.
Other Malaysian companies like AI Smartual Learning and AI MSP are offering innovative tools for education and cybersecurity, respectively, while iBizzCloud focuses on cloud-based solutions for enterprise digital transformation.
Konza’s state-of-the-art data center and partnerships with institutions like the Open University of Kenya (OUK) position it as a hub for innovative digital solutions. These collaborative efforts aim to bolster Kenya’s reputation as Africa’s Silicon Savannah and attract further international investment.
The Malaysian delegation’s visit marks a significant step toward deepening ties between the two nations, laying the groundwork for greater innovation and economic growth in the tech sector.