The TechVelopment Advisor was launched on 5 March 2018, in conjunction with the Development Minister’s meeting with young entrepreneurs in the tech area in Nairobi, Kenya.
Technology and digitalisation, as we already know, not only enhances lives but also gives new opportunities for job creation and business growth. This industry also presents new innovative ways of solving the various problems which countries across Africa are currently facing.
Denmark has now stepped up to the plate and is launching a TechVelopment advisor into Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, as one of the latest initiatives to strengthen its presence in the tech field globally.
As part of this TechPlomacy initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already placed a tech ambassador in Silicon Valley, USA, as well as tech representations in both Europe and Asia.
Part of the initiative in Kenya, Denmark is planning to support the Moringa School, which provides training for people passionate about a career in tech and coding. The school is economically self-sustained. However, students must repay the tuition fee after their graduation. Therefore, the school wishes to offer scholarships to low-income students, including girls from the Kibera slum.
“Africa is a natural next step for Denmark in the field of technology, and especially Kenya is in the forefront. A regional TechVelopment advisor in Africa is a clear reinforcement of Denmark’s cooperation with the African countries on one of today’s and future’s most crucial agendas. ” says Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation
The counselor is tasked with supporting Denmark’s TechVelopment engagement in Africa. It will include to engage in dialogue with African forerunners in the tech industry, acquire knowledge and act as active sparring partner when technology is intended for development cooperation.
Minister of Development Ulla Tørnæs says;
“I see Denmark as a natural partner for Kenya in its development also in this area. Therefore, I am pleased today to launch a regional TechVelopment adviser based in Nairobi as a new, strong initiative on the tech agenda, “
We at Nairobi Garage are super excited to see what this TechVelopment initiative will bring to Kenya and the amazing entrepreneurs in the country.