Italy, India, and Kenya Forge Strategic Alliance to Bolster AI Infrastructure Across Africa

Italy, India, and Kenya have officially entered into a tripartite agreement designed to accelerate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure throughout the African continent. This collaborative initiative is being spearheaded under the auspices of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering technological growth in the region.

The formal signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, India, during the prestigious Global AI Impact Summit, which was held from February 16 to February 20, 2026. This partnership is strategically aligned with broader geopolitical and economic frameworks, most notably the "Mattei Plan" for Africa championed by the Italian government. A primary objective of this cooperation is the launch of fifteen priority AI use cases scheduled for implementation in 2026, contributing to a long-term goal of establishing one hundred distinct AI pathways across the Global South.

While the African continent currently faces a significant deficit in AI computing power—characterized by a scarcity of high-performance hardware such as GPUs and TPUs—it possesses immense untapped potential. The region is rich in data resources and renewable energy, offering unique opportunities for AI applications in critical sectors such as agriculture, climate monitoring, healthcare, and the preservation of local languages. This agreement seeks to harness these local strengths to build a sustainable technological ecosystem.

A central pillar of this agreement is the promotion of "sovereign AI." This concept ensures that data and foundational models remain under the direct control of African nations rather than being exclusively managed or stored by external powers like the United States or China. By prioritizing digital sovereignty, the partnership aims to empower local governments and institutions to manage their own technological destinies and protect the privacy of their citizens.

Italy’s commitment to the region is already evident through the Mattei Plan, which has successfully engaged 14 African nations in approximately 100 diverse projects, many of which now include advanced AI components. This existing foundation provides a robust platform for the new tripartite initiatives to flourish, allowing for a more integrated approach to international development and technological cooperation.

Simultaneously, India is actively sharing its expertise by exporting its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model to various partners. As of February 2026, six African nations, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, have already signed agreements to adopt these digital frameworks. This synergy between Italian strategic planning and Indian technical infrastructure creates a powerful catalyst for African digital transformation and economic resilience.

To ensure structured implementation and maintain high levels of accountability, a tripartite working group will be established to oversee the initial 15 pilot projects. Although the current document is a Letter of Intent and does not carry legally binding obligations, the emphasis on practical, real-world applications demonstrates a serious commitment from all parties involved. This group will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring that the projects meet their intended developmental milestones.

Kenya is positioned to serve as a vital regional computing hub within this framework, leveraging its rapidly expanding network of data centers and its vibrant startup ecosystem. By concentrating resources in such strategic locations, the partnership hopes to create a ripple effect of innovation that benefits the entire continent, ultimately positioning Africa as a significant player in the global AI landscape.