UoN Launches Sh 4.7 Bn Silicon Savannah Innovation Hub.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) launched the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park at State House Nairobi on November 25, in an event Presided by Kenya's President

This Milestone achievement, marked Kenya's largest France-funded higher education investment in Sub-Saharan Africa with a €35 million (KSh4.7 billion) commitment from the French government through Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

The initiative, centered at UoN's Chiromo Campus, features a state-of-the-art Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) that will anchor both the innovation park and the Nairobi School of AI, positioning Kenya as a global technology hub.

The project, which is part of UoN's transformative Big 5 Agenda led by Chancellor Professor Patrick Verkooijen, aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030 and aims to create jobs in the digital and green economy.

Through integration with Kenya's broader technological ecosystem, including Konza Technopolis, the innovation park will serve as a conduit for market-ready solutions in collaboration with industry stakeholders, preparing young Kenyans for opportunities in AI, Industry 4.0, and green engineering through initiatives like the Kenya Green and Digital Jobs Centre.

The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park initiative builds upon Kenya's remarkable journey as a technological powerhouse in Africa and fintech hubs.

The venture, attracted over $850 million in investments in 2022 alone and complements Kenya's existing fintech ecosystem, where more than 90 startups are currently operating.

The innovation park will create a crucial bridge between academic research and practical market applications.

Investment management firm Kuramo Capital Management is projecting increased private equity investments in Africa for 2025, despite a challenging 2024 that saw investments drop to $1.9 billion in Q3 - a 53% drop from 2023 and the lowest in five years.

Speaking at the Private Equity Africa Awards in London, where the firm received special recognition for its TransCentury PLC investment, Kuramo Co-CEO Shaka Kariuki expressed optimism.

He expressed investor confidence about the sector's growth potential as global economic pressures ease, with inflation expected to decline from 7.1% in 2023 to 4.6% by 2025-26, driven by tighter monetary policies and improved supply chains.

As a pioneering fund-of-funds for sub-Saharan Africa, Kuramo has catalyzed nearly $3.5 billion in investments over the past 15 years, maintaining direct and indirect investments in 200 companies across 30 African countries.

The firm's impact was further recognized at the PEA Awards, receiving the Fund of Funds Investor Award for its $150 million investment in the 2X Ignite Africa Investment Facility.