Italy is ready to make Kenya the first hub in Africa for the use of artificial intelligence for the sustainable development of the country, in line with the Mattei Plan.
In recent days, the visit to Nairobi by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Enterprise and Made in Italy (Mimit), Fausta Bergamotto, has formalized Kenya's entry into the governance of the AI HUB project for Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, created by Italy together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
“The idea for this initiative was launched during the G7 meeting in Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, under the Italian presidency,” the undersecretary explained to Malindikenya.net. “In addition to Pope Francis, Kenyan President William Ruto also attended the meeting, along with the government's special envoy for technology to the United Nations, Ambassador Philip Thigo.”
Thigo was also present on Monday during a visit to the Italian Foundation E4 Impact, an incubator for local companies and start-ups that is launching many new Kenyan businesses, especially in the fields of agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability. Shortly before, in the presence of the Italian ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, he had signed an important document establishing Kenya as the first African nation to join the governance of the artificial intelligence project to accelerate private sector-led economic growth in collaboration with governments, academia, and international organizations.
“AI HUB will be launched on June 20 by the Minister of Mimit, Adolfo Urso, as part of the Italian government's Mattei Plan for Africa. Kenya, one of the pilot nations of this new model of cooperation and one of the most ready, has agreed to actively participate in its development, as the first country on the African continent,” explained the undersecretary.
“For Kenya, it is not just a question of exploiting artificial intelligence, but of ensuring that it is at the heart of the green economy and the agenda for economic transformation from the bottom up,” said Thigo. Monday ended with a reception at the ambassador's residence.
"The Mattei Plan and the use of artificial intelligence can help not only Kenya's development, but also our Made in Italy to consolidate its importance in Africa, for example with regard to the unfortunate phenomenon of so-called ‘Italian Sounding,’ which creates many problems for our economy and the exports of our companies. Because it is quite different to say ‘parmesan’ than Parmigiano Reggiano, and consequently to produce, advertise, and sell it.“
As Undersecretary Bergamotto pointed out, Made in Italy, which is not a product but a concept, is the third best-known ”brand" in the world, after VISA cards and Coca Cola.