By Edwin Austin
Kenya has officially unveiled the TechPlomacy Connective, a bold and visionary initiative that positions the country as a global leader in shaping ethical and inclusive technology governance.
The inaugural TechPlomacy Connective was officiated by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs and led by Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, the Embassy of Belgium in Kenya and other partners.
Suffice it to say, the TechPlomacy Connective is a multi-stakeholder platform designed to bring together governments, innovators, civil society, and academia to co-create digital futures that are human-centric, equitable, and globally responsive.
The initiative is also expected to foster regional innovation through public-private partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms. It also seeks to harness Kenya’s high digital engagement, which averages over four hours of daily internet use, into meaningful innovation, productivity, and social impact.
Speaking during the inaugural TechPlomacy Connective roundtable in Nairobi, PCS Musalia Mudavadi noted that, “In an era where rapid technological advances are redefining how we live, learn, and work, and as Artificial Intelligence becomes a defining force, Africa must come together to harness technology as a solution to our most urgent challenges, from health and education to climate action, public participation, and beyond.”
The PCS lauded the Government of Kenya for its investments in AI governance noting that, “Through bold, forward-looking initiatives like this, we have an opportunity to craft partnerships that are not only innovative but also inclusive, trustworthy, and geared toward building a sustainable digital future for all.”
Joining the launch virtually from New York, United Nations Tech Envoy Dr. Amandeep Gill emphasized the global significance of the initiative. “This TechPlomacy Connective will be helpful in making a human-centric, inclusive, and equitable tech future,” he said, highlighting Africa’s potential to become home to a third of the world’s tech talent despite currently hosting less than 1% of global data center capacity.
Dr. Gill highlighted the Global Digital Compact, adopted at last year’s UN Summit of the Future, as a milestone in creating an inclusive digital order. He also announced plans for an international scientific panel on AI and a policy dialogue involving 117 countries currently outside major AI governance initiatives.
The event also drew strong support from the diplomatic community. Belgium’s Ambassador to Kenya, Peter Maddens, made a striking declaration that resonated across tech and policy circles: “Let’s get to work. Let’s shape the future together.” Belgium further underscored its commitment by becoming the first foreign embassy in Kenya to appoint an AI specialist, signaling a new era of diplomacy rooted in technological collaboration.
Amb. Philip Thigo, the architect of the Connective, called for a shift from passive connectivity to active transformation. “Our connectivity must drive productivity, innovation, and inclusion,” he urged, framing the initiative as a call to action, not just for Kenya and Africa, but also for the rest of the world.
With Kenya’s launch, the message is clear: Africa is not merely participating in the global tech conversation; it is helping to shape it. The TechPlomacy Connective is more than a policy platform; it is a strategic and inclusive movement aimed at ensuring that innovation serves humanity and fosters equitable development across borders.