Oracle to launch public cloud region in Nairobi to boost Kenya’s digital transformation

Oracle has unveiled plans to open a new public cloud region in Nairobi, Kenya, in response to the increasing demand for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) services across Africa. This expansion is part of Oracle’s global cloud infrastructure strategy, highlighting its commitment to facilitating the digital transformation of Kenya and the wider African continent.

A high-level Oracle delegation, led by Scott Twaddle, Senior Vice President responsible for OCI Product and Industries, recently met with H.E William Ruto, President of Kenya, and Eliud Owalo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy in Kenya. During the meeting, Oracle expressed its dedication to aiding Kenya in achieving its economic and digital transformation goals through the deployment of cutting-edge cloud technologies. Oracle’s decision to establish a cloud region in Nairobi will leverage Kenya’s robust renewable energy and digital infrastructure, including extensive submarine and national connectivity.

The planned Nairobi cloud region underscores Oracle’s commitment to Africa, aiming to drive digital transformation for the Kenyan government, public institutions, enterprises, startups, universities, and investors. Oracle’s expansion efforts in Africa, which include the Oracle Cloud Johannesburg Region in South Africa, demonstrate the company’s intent to continue growing OCI’s footprint on the continent.

President William Ruto welcomed Oracle’s investment, emphasizing the potential benefits of AI and cloud applications in job creation for Kenyan citizens. Eliud Owalo highlighted the cloud region’s alignment with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which focuses on digital transformation, private sector development, agricultural transformation, housing development, and healthcare modernization.

Scott Twaddle reiterated Oracle’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation, noting OCI’s role as a scalable and secure platform for mission-critical workloads globally. With a strong existing business in Kenya, the upcoming public cloud region in Nairobi represents a significant advancement in supporting the country’s economic objectives.

Oracle’s initiative to open a public cloud region in Nairobi is a significant milestone for Kenya’s digital economy and the broader technological landscape in Africa. This strategic expansion not only reinforces Oracle’s commitment to the continent but also provides a robust foundation for Kenyan institutions and businesses to innovate and grow. The focus on leveraging renewable energy and digital infrastructure for the cloud region aligns with global sustainability goals, marking a forward-thinking approach to cloud services in Africa.