Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia visits an exhibition stand during the Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026 in Nairobi. PHOTO | OPCS

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on African countries to invest in research, universities and innovation institutions to reduce reliance on imported technology and strengthen the continent’s influence in global technology policy.

Speaking on Thursday, during the opening of the Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026 in Nairobi, Mudavadi said African countries needed to move beyond adopting technologies developed elsewhere and build their own technological capabilities.

“Africa must move from adopting technology to building technological power. We cannot build technological sovereignty on imported knowledge alone. Every economy that has led in advanced technology has invested consistently in researchers, universities, laboratories and institutions that move knowledge from discovery into action,” Mudavadi said.

He added: “Through coordinated public-private partnerships and shared regulatory frameworks, we ensure that digital transformation fosters inclusive resilience and prosperity across every African state.”

The two-day conference, held at Eka Hotel, brought together more than 500 government leaders, diplomats, investors, researchers and technology executives from over 30 countries to discuss how science, research and innovation can strengthen Africa’s diplomatic influence and economic development.

Discussions are focusing on how African countries can coordinate their positions on artificial intelligence (AI), data governance and digital standards, areas that increasingly influence international trade, investment and diplomatic relations.

The conference is also examining ways to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and digital services.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation Shaukat Abdulrazak said the meeting was intended to move discussions on technology and innovation towards practical implementation.

“The conversations convened here at Eka Hotel move beyond aspiration towards rigorous execution and measurable socio-economic impact, cementing Kenya's status as a leader in technology diplomacy,” Abdulrazak said.

Three initiatives were announced under the Africa Technology Leadership Forum (ATLF), including a Continental Innovation Centre intended to support research commercialisation, market access and the development of deep-technology ventures.

The centre is seeking partnerships with corporations, venture funds, financial institutions, development agencies and research organisations. Its first cohort is open to AI researchers, data scientists, software developers and start-ups across Africa.

The conference also launched the Sauti Umoja AI Challenge, which seeks to encourage and fund the development of large language models designed around African indigenous languages, local dialects and socio-economic contexts.

The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with GSMA’s ATLA Umoja AI.

IN VIGENCE Ltd Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Rotich said the initiatives were intended to help African innovators develop technologies that can compete in global markets.

“Our commitment is to build the institutional and strategic bridges that turn raw African ingenuity into scalable, market-ready, and globally competitive ventures,” Rotich said.

“As artificial intelligence reshapes global economies, Africa must not be left behind or forced into generic models that overlook our rich linguistic and cultural diversity.”

The third initiative, the ATLF Leadership and Diplomacy Programme, will involve policy labs and stakeholder engagements through 2026 and 2027, alongside plans for another continental conference in Kenya in 2027.

The organisers say the programme will focus on technology diplomacy, investment and infrastructure, research commercialisation, institutional capacity, data governance and technology resilience.