Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city project, is witnessing a surge in collaborations with South Korean firms, marking a significant milestone in its development.
In June 2024, Kenya and South Korea formalized a financing agreement worth $284.1 million for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Media City at Konza Technopolis. This initiative is part of the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) and aims to position Kenya as a leader in the creative and content industry sector in Africa. The Digital Media City will occupy a 160-acre parcel and serve as the anchor tenant for Phase Two of Konza Technopolis. It is designed to provide shared infrastructure for content creators and digital innovators, fostering the growth of the emerging creative sector.
In October 2024, Konza Technopolis signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Electronics Association (KEA) to establish a $1.4 million electronics and information technology manufacturing support centre. The centre aims to develop a skilled workforce and provide technical support to startups, SMEs, and Korean companies entering the African market. It will also assist in prototype development and production, contributing to the growth of the electronics sector within Konza Technopolis.
The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), modeled after South Korea’s KAIST, is under construction at Konza Technopolis. Funded by an $8 million loan from the Korean government, the institute aims to advance STEM education and research in Kenya. With the first phase of construction completed, the institution is set to admit its first cohort of postgraduate students in 2026, focusing on fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, ICT engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and agricultural biotechnology.
Ambassador Kang Hyung-Shik of South Korea visited Konza Technopolis in February 2025 to meet with CEO John Paul Okwiri. During the visit, they discussed the progress of ongoing projects and explored avenues to enhance future cooperation between South Korea and Konza Technopolis. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership in technological and infrastructure development.
The expanding collaborations between Kenya and South Korea at Konza Technopolis are instrumental in transforming the region into a hub for innovation, education, and digital media. These partnerships not only bolster Kenya’s technological capabilities but also pave the way for sustainable economic growth and development.
Read more on Tech Gist Africa:
Rihanna-Backed Gather Ventures Launches Climate Fund for Female-Led African Startups
Stanbic Bank Kenya Plans to Raise US$100 Million for Startup Financing
Safaricom and PayPal Collaborate to Link Mobile Money with Online Payments