Google To Open A Tech Hub In Nairobi Kenya

Google launches a product development center in Nairobi, its first in the continent, to build “transformative” products and services for the African market and the world.

The programme will increase access to cheap and fast internet, support local entrepreneurs and SMEs and help non-profit organisations.

Google’s new investment underscores the emergence of Nairobi as a regional tech hub after Microsoft launched a research and development center in Nairobi, Visa announced that it had set up its first innovation center to co-create payment and commerce solutions with partners.

Google said its will hire over 100 tech talent including software engineers, UX designers and researchers to lay the foundation for significant growth in the coming years. The firm also opened an artificial intelligence centre last year in Ghana’s capital Accra.

Google will invest over USD 1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and to support entrepreneurship in Africa.