Kenya unveils Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub at Konza to lead Africa's green revolution

The launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub at Konza Technopolis, Makueni County, marks a bold step in Kenya's drive for green innovation and digital transformation.

Unveiled by President William Ruto on Friday, the hub aims to harness technology to combat climate change, create jobs, and promote sustainable development across Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Ruto highlighted the importance of green technology in addressing global and local challenges.

"The Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub will support startups focused on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste management, and energy efficiency," he said.

"These innovations will not only strengthen our fight against climate change but also enhance public service delivery through solutions like solar-powered health centres and smart waste management systems," Ruto added.

The hub is part of the broader Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, which has established similar initiatives in Lagos, focusing on fintech, and Kigali, specialising in health-tech.

Collectively, these hubs aim to mobilise investments to support 10,000 startups and improve the lives of 100 million people across the continent.

Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the green revolution, boasting 60 per cent of the world's solar energy potential.

However, less than 10 per cent of this capacity has been utilised.

There lies immense value in digital transformation. The digitisation of Government services, for instance, has streamlined public service delivery, checked corruption and furthered transparency.

We will keep tapping into sustainable, ground-breaking and human-centred technology… pic.twitter.com/2S8OuC1CX5

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 6, 2024

President Ruto highlighted the economic and environmental opportunities tied to green innovation.

"By championing green technology, Kenya seeks to unlock economic opportunities, create green jobs, and secure a greater share of this untapped potential," he noted.

The hub aligns with Kenya's National Digital Masterplan, which envisions a globally competitive, inclusive digital economy.

It complements the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, also launched during the event, which will train 100,000 public servants across Africa in artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance governance and service delivery.

Building on Kenya's tech legacy

According to President Ruto Kenya, often referred to as the "Silicon Savannah," has a vibrant startup ecosystem that has produced groundbreaking innovations like M-Pesa, the mobile money platform that revolutionised financial inclusion, and M-Kopa, which provides affordable solar technology to underserved households.

The Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub also aims to build on this legacy by fostering a new wave of green startups.

"The world is transitioning into a green and digital economy, and it is time for Africa to not only contribute but also claim its rightful place in global leadership," Ruto remarked.

He urged collaboration among governments, private sectors, and communities to ensure the hub's success.

"Together, we can deliver a green and digital African future, powered by the ambition and ingenuity of our people," Ruto said.

While celebrating the potential of green technology, President Ruto acknowledged challenges such as e-waste and carbon emissions from tech manufacturing and called for sustainability to remain at the forefront of Africa's green transformation efforts.