Author: James Wambua

An estimated 74% of businesses in the East African region rank cyber risks as a top priority, significantly above global averages. In partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya, the inaugural event takes place in Nairobi from 19–21 May. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and persistent, organisations across East Africa are placing cybersecurity at the centre of business strategy. According to PwC’s East Africa Digital Trust Insights survey, 74% of businesses in the region now rank cyber risks as a top priority, significantly above global averages, highlighting how cybersecurity has become…

In partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya, East Africa’s largest AI and tech launch event takes place in Nairobi from 19-21 May 2026.  Three-day event gathers tech ecosystem to debate and deploy AI solutions built for the continent, from food security and sovereign AI to financial inclusion and cybersecurity.  Kenya is set to catalyse a new phase of AI-driven digital transformation in East Africa as the region’s largest tech show, AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA, makes its debut next week in Nairobi to fast-track tech investment and cross-border collaboration in…

As AI economy takes shape, data is turning into a strategic asset class, argues Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Philip Thigo. He highlights that the AI stack is a system encompassing compute, infrastructure, energy, water, talent, and data itself. “Once you say asset, then it is not something that could be given freely.” As data assumes prime value internationally, Nairobi is strategically positioning itself as the gateway to a continental AI market, which is forecast to hit US$16.5 billion by 2030. When Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, describes data as a “strategic asset,” he is not speaking…

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights expresses “grave concern” over attacks on nationals of other African countries in recent weeks. South Africa hosts about 2.4 million migrants, representing roughly 4 per cent of the country’s. A percentage of these migrants, remain undocumented. Other xenophobic killings in South Africa have been recorded in Cape Town in 2010 with the May 2008 nationwide attacks resulting in over 60 deaths, 1,700 injuries and 100000 displacements. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has called out the ongoing the xenophobic attacks meted on individuals from of other African countries in South…

Across Africa, AI systems are reshaping the architecture of war, lowering the barrier of entry for terrorists and insurgencies to thrive, automating disinformation, and determining who gets food aid or a bullet. Current peace and security predictive systems are built on information that reflects the institutional priorities of external funders rather than the granular, on-the-ground reality of local communities such as land disputes, fights over water, pasture or evolving market dynamics. From Sudan’s war-torn Al Fasher and Kordofan, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified their grip on poor villages, to the trending conversations in Kenya’s hyperactive social media…

Startups in Kenya secured $984m in funding last year, but a fresh bilateral push from Rome seeks to open the taps for follow-on capital even as an artificial intelligence (AI) opportunity emerges. For three consecutive years, Kenya has been Africa’s crown jewel, attracting record venture capital into its vibrant start-up ecosystem. Official data shows that in 2025 alone, the East African country attracted $984 million through a blend of capital deals, amid a scarcity of Series A and B funding rounds in emerging markets. These statistics were laid bare on the margins of the Italy-Kenya Business Forum organised by Harmonic…

Backed by Mattei Plan for Africa and the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement, Rome forum underscores joint ventures, technology transfer, and sustainable investment partnerships between Kenya and Italy. Over 220 Italian companies, express interest in advancing dialogue in key sectors in Kenya’s economy including energy, agri-food, innovation, tourism, and manufacturing. In 2024, it ranked as the 16th largest source of FDI into Kenya, with nearly 50 Italian firms operating across food and beverage, energy, automotive, and agriculture. Kenya is rolling out the red carpet for hundreds of investors and institutions from Italy that are seeking to advance strategic partnerships across priority…

€75 million EIB Group quasi-equity funding to support Biovac’s first end-to-end multi-vaccine factory in South Africa enables an additional $20 million and further financing from the IFC. This investment is backed by a European Commission EFSD+ guarantee under the Human Development Accelerator (HDX), part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Project to produce key vaccines for cholera, polio, meningitis and pneumonia, strengthening the prevention of serious infectious diseases in children. More than 340 skilled and 7000 indirect jobs to be created, providing a major boost to vaccine self-reliance and regional health resilience. A new alliance of financiers has accelerated Africa’s…

Nairobi is fast evolving into one of Africa’s best destinations for tech investors, backed by a $250 million core infrastructure push, green energy access, and data policy reforms. In February this year, stakeholders in Kenya’s tech industry met in a room overlooking the Nairobi National Park for what seemed like a routine exercise: validating the National Data Governance Policy. This routine exercise could not have come at a more opportune time as the country aligns its core building blocks to tap into the next wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered growth. As thousands of delegates prepare to convene in Nairobi from…

As world markets watch with bated breath the ripples of the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran, Africa, a continent already grappling with fragile economies, braces for impact. A sharp rise in fuel prices, disruption in shipping routes, and heightened geopolitical tensions could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Across the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, and North Africa, spikes in energy and food costs are putting pressure on thin budgets. Additionally, the risk of arms flows threatens to worsen local conflicts. These shocks amid existing fragilities such as joblessness among the youth, resource competitions, and weak institutions, offer a potent mix that could destabilise…