By Business Technology Desk
May 20, 2025
NAIROBI — Kenya is positioning itself at the center of Africa’s digital transformation as it prepares to host the prestigious Connected Africa Summit 2025 next week, with several global technology powerhouses confirmed to attend.
The four-day event, scheduled for May 26-29 at a premier resort in Diani, has attracted participation from major tech giants including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), alongside other industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle who are expected to showcase their latest innovations for the African market.
Organized by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy in partnership with the ICT Authority, the summit is expected to draw over 2,000 participants from government institutions, academic circles, business sectors, and development organizations across the continent.
“This summit provides an essential platform for meaningful conversations around technology and its critical role in forging Africa’s digital future,” said John Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, during a press briefing held Monday at a Nairobi hotel.
The event represents a significant opportunity for cross-sector collaboration, featuring an Innovation Village where homegrown African startups and developers will showcase their solutions alongside established tech companies. A dedicated Smart Government Zone will highlight transformative public sector digital projects from various African nations.
Shain Rahim, Country Manager for Cisco Kenya, emphasized the company’s continued involvement in the summit: “This is our third year participating in this event, and our commitment stems from its unique ability to bring government and private sector stakeholders together. With AI being such a transformative force, we look forward to sharing how Cisco is modernizing security in the AI-driven world.”
The summit’s agenda covers critical technological domains including artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, health tech, and digital public services. Programming includes high-level plenaries, executive roundtables, specialized breakout sessions, and targeted policy dialogues.
Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority of Kenya, highlighted collaboration as the driving force behind the summit: “The partnership we continue to foster with private sector entities demonstrates their endorsement of our digital transformation agenda, both nationally and across the continent. By creating an environment where all stakeholders can thrive, we’re setting the stage for sustainable digital growth.”
Financial institutions are also taking notice, with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) joining telecommunications giant Safaricom Plc as key sponsors, underscoring the growing convergence of finance, telecommunications, and technology in Africa’s digital economy.
The Summit builds upon previous editions’ momentum and will include a review of progress on implementing the Nairobi Declaration, a framework established to accelerate digital transformation across Africa.
Industry analysts note that the impressive lineup of global tech participants signals growing international interest in Africa’s expanding digital market, estimated to contribute $180 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025 according to recent projections.
For African tech entrepreneurs and government officials alike, the summit represents a crucial opportunity to forge strategic partnerships and secure investments needed to scale digital infrastructure and services across the continent.
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