On February 4, 2026, a high-level German delegation in Nairobi finalized plans to establish the Centre of African Excellence for Applied Artificial Intelligence. This joint initiative between Germany and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) is designed to position Kenya as a regional hub for ethical, locally relevant AI solutions. The collaboration focuses on building robust data ecosystems and training the next generation of African tech talent, aligning directly with Germany’s broader foreign policy goal of fostering „technological sovereignty“ among its strategic partners.
This partnership is particularly noteworthy for the diplomatic community as it represents a shift toward „Value-Based Realism.“ By investing in AI governance and talent development rather than just infrastructure, Berlin is differentiating its engagement from the „resource-only“ models of other global powers. For diplomats, the Centre serves as a blueprint for how scientific cooperation can be used as a tool for long-term stabilization and economic integration in the digital age.
Read more about the AI initiative on TechAfrica News.