The lab will conduct applied and far-reaching exploratory research into the grand challenges of the African continent by delivering commercially-viable innovations that impact people’s lives.
The new 2000 sq.m. research facility features one of Africa’s most powerful, cloud-enabled computing hubs giving IBM researchers the ability to analyse and draw insight from vast amounts of data in the search for solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges such as energy, water, transportation, agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion and public safety.
The lab’s research agenda will include the development of cognitive computing technologies which integrate learning and reasoning capabilities enabling experts to make better decisions in areas such as healthcare delivery and financial services.
“The establishment of this research laboratory underpins the government’s commitment to innovation ecosystems that are already available in Kenya,” said His Excellency, the President of Kenya, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta. “Using innovation to drive homegrown solutions, Kenya continues to lead the continent in ICT. My government is proud that Kenya, and indeed Africa, will benefit from the presence of one of the most advanced research facilities, with some of the world’s most talented people, using some of the most powerful technologies to develop solutions for some of Africa’s most intractable problems.”
The lab brings together some of the best technology talent globally driven by a passion for Africa and almost 70 years of experience in running a world-class research organisation.
“We are currently experiencing the emergence of a new Africa – one where science and technology are enabling a pivotal ‘leap frog’ moment allowing governments and businesses to drive economic growth, raise the standard of living and compete with their global counterparts,” said Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, Director, IBM Research – Africa. “The launch of Africa’s first full-scale, technology research facility signifies a new era in African innovation – one where commercially-viable solutions to Africa’s grand challenges are developed in Africa for Africa, helping to lay the foundations for the continent’s future scientific and economic independence.”
