Growing together: Technical tours of Konza Technopolis

This year’s IASP World Conference in Nairobi was precursed by a warm welcome from Konza Technopolis by means of Technical Tours, giving delegates the opportunity to understand more about the context of Konza's innovation ecosystem. 

Konza Technopolis is known as “Silicon Savannah” and is a key flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio, using Smart Technologies to ensure sustainable development in harmony with nature. They are putting education at the heart of their activities, and this focus was one of the inspirations behind this year's conference theme on demographics, which revolved around fostering conversations and knowledge sharing about harnessing the potential of a burgeoning youth demographic, entrepreneurship, and technology for economic growth to foster innovation in the wider AOI/STP industry.

All delegates on the technical tours were welcomed with African dance, and the day was followed by presentations about Konza Technopolis and its current developments, getting an overview of the smart technologies planned for the innovation city at their Experience Center,  then a guided tour of Konza’s Smart City Technologies, visiting Konza’s Open University and a drive around to see the current sites and developments. 

IASP International President Lena Miranda and CEO Ebba Lund also had a chance to meet the IASP African Division President and Principle Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy John Tanui and the Konza Board Chair Raphael Munavu, and sign the visitors' book. 

Symbolically, the IASP board members planted trees on the grounds of Konza, as a contribution to the Smart City’s sustainable development. 

As Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP said as she planted the tree, “for growing together with Konza Technopolis”.

For more information about Konza Technopolis see their website.