ACTS CONSORTIUM WINS PRESTIGIOUS GREEN DIGITAL INNOVATION HUB IN KENYA

On 30 June, 2023, the GIZ Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) in Nairobi, Kenya announced the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) as the winning consortium for the Green Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH). The latter aims at supporting Kenya's digital transformation while promoting sustainable development, circular economy, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation. GIZ has contracted GFA to implement the Strengthening Kenyan Intermediaries and Innovation Ecosystem (SKIIVE) project as part of the DTC. The SKIIVE project comprises two work areas, namely,

• setting up a locally owned Kenyan gDIH to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which will be implemented by the ACTS Consortium, and
• skills development, access to finance, and start-up promotion.

Until 2024, the overall goal of the DTC will beto strengthen the country’s digital economy by fostering the digital innovation ecosystem, (up)skilling a tech-savvy workforce, MSMEs in their digital transformation, promoting data-sharing for value creation, and working towards decent job creation in afree market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations hire independent workers for short-term commitments.
 
As part of their work, the ACTS Consortium will collaborate closely with the SKIIVE project team to embark on a transformative journey. The initial phase will involve a study trip to Europe, allowing the consortium to gather insights and inspirations. Subsequently, a detailed roadmap will be developed, leading up to the official launch of the gDIH in December 2023.
 
The collaboration between the ACTS Consortium and SKIIVE will extend beyond the roadmap, as both parties will engage in the co-creation of a comprehensive business plan. This plan will outline the gDIH’s strategic framework, ensuring its long-term success and impactful contributions to the sustainable technology landscape.
 
Moreover, the ACTS Consortium will oversee the incorporation of a non-profit entity, solidifying the commitment to a purpose-driven approach and fostering a collaborative environment within the hub. In addition, an implementation plan will be developed to safeguard the seamless execution of initiatives.
 
“We look forward to working closely with the ACTS Consortium to bring their transformative ideas to fruition", expressed Sylvia Mukasa, GFA’s digital innovation hub expert with SKIIVE.
 
The SKIIVE project team and the ACTS Consortium are poised to spearhead the development of the gDIH, ushering in a new era of sustainable technological advancements. Together, they aim to drive meaningful change, promote environmental consciousness, and foster innovation that paves the way for a brighter future. DTC Kenya is a flagship of the Team Europe Initiative on Human Centered Digitalization, which is co-financed by Germany and the EU, and implemented by GIZ and EstDev. It has been established to support Kenya's digital transition towards a sustainable and human-centered digital economy and society.  The ACTS Consortium comprises the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), Kenya National Innovation Agency, Konza Technopolis, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute, and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.

Project in brief
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Sylvia Mukasa
Digital Innovation Hub Expert
GIZ-DTC-SKIIVE Project
E-mail: sylvia.mukasa@gfa-group.de