Kenya and Benin are exploring areas of cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure and digital government as both countries seek to advance digital transformation across Africa.
The discussions took place during a bilateral meeting between Kenya’s Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau and Benin’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Dr Mahuna Akplogan, on the sidelines of the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, South Korea.
In a statement shared on X, Kabogo said the two countries discussed ways to implement their national artificial intelligence strategies and expand the development of AI tools in African languages.
Kenya and Benin are government partners in the ATLAS Umoja initiative, which seeks to advance artificial intelligence in African languages, making the technology more relevant and accessible to African populations.
The two officials also explored cooperation in digital public infrastructure and digital government, alongside a framework for collaboration between their respective ministries.
Kabogo said the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and identify areas where the two countries could work together to accelerate digital innovation and improve government service delivery.
He also raised Kenya’s candidature for re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council during the Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place in Doha next month.
The discussions come as African countries increasingly prioritise artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve public services, expand access to information and support economic development.
Kabogo congratulated Akplogan on his appointment and, through him, extended congratulations to President Romuald Wadagni on his election.
“I look forward to working with Benin to advance digital transformation across Africa,” Kabogo said.
The engagement underscores Kenya’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships in emerging technologies and promote collaboration with other African countries on AI development, digital infrastructure and innovation.
