Kenya Unveils Ambitious “Code Nation” Plan to Lead Africa in Software and AI Innovation
The initiative builds on Kenya’s expanding digital infrastructure and growing investment in technology-driven development.
Kenya has announced an ambitious plan to position itself as Africa’s leading “Code Nation,” signaling a bold leap toward becoming a continental hub for software and artificial intelligence (AI) development. The announcement was made during the Software and AI Summit, where Dr. Eng. John K. Tanui, Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, outlined the nation’s strategic vision to harness digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent for inclusive growth.
The initiative builds on Kenya’s expanding digital infrastructure and growing investment in technology-driven development. The government aims to extend the country’s fiber optic network to 37,153 kilometers by 2027, with the goal of connecting 99% of the population. This infrastructure underpins Kenya’s digital services platform, which already processes over 500 billion transactions annually, offering a strong foundation for a thriving digital economy.
A key component of the “Code Nation” plan is the Skill-Up Kenya program, designed to bridge the digital skills gap and nurture a highly skilled workforce. The initiative targets training 1 million skilled professionals in the short term and 20 million globally competitive individuals in the long term, focusing on key fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, and data science. According to the plan, Kenya’s success in the digital economy will depend not only on technology and infrastructure but also on cultivating a mindset that values innovation, creativity, and homegrown solutions.
The strategy is anchored on four main pillars: Digital Catalysts, which empower startups, universities, and innovation hubs to build market-relevant solutions; Connecting Capital, which links entrepreneurs with local and global investors; Talent Development, which promotes ethical, skilled professionals; and Data & Governance, emphasizing open-source systems, responsible AI, and strong data protection frameworks.
The plan also aligns with global digital transformation efforts, projecting over $100 billion in investments across Africa’s technology ecosystems. The Software and AI Summit, co-hosted with Moi University, highlighted Kenya’s progress and its intent to establish a Digital Economy Hub in Nairobi along with regional centers that connect innovation ecosystems with international technology leaders.
Through this initiative, Kenya aims to evolve from a technology adopter to a global creator—harnessing local talent, innovation, and digital infrastructure to shape the continent’s AI and software future while driving inclusive economic prosperity.
