Amazon Web Services Expands Footprint in East Africa with Nairobi Development Center Launch

Nairobi, Kenya – October 4th, 2023: Amazon Web Services (AWS), the global cloud computing services giant, marked a significant milestone by inaugurating its Second Development Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Originally headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, this expansion underscores AWS’s commitment to increasing its presence in the East African region, aiming to leverage the vibrant young population.

With approximately 60% of the population in Kenya under the age of 25, AWS’s decision to establish a center in Nairobi has been enthusiastically welcomed in the region. AWS has been pivotal in supporting young talent through initiatives such as AWS Academy, providing cloud computing skills and empowering them to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

Kenyan President William Ruto, who graced the launch of the Development Centre, commended AWS for its significant impact, saying, “Young Africans are ready to drive unprecedented global growth. With investments like Amazon’s, we can harness our continent’s natural resources and green energy potential, positioning ourselves to lead the world in offering opportunities, growth, and prosperity. This guarantees a sustainable future for both us and humanity.”

Uwem Ukpong, the Vice President of Global Services at AWS, expressed enthusiasm about creating new high-tech jobs in Nairobi. He emphasized that these jobs would enable AWS, its customers, and partners to tap into the remarkable pool of technical talent in Kenya.

Amrote Abdella, the General Manager of Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon Web Services, stressed the critical importance of AWS’s ongoing investment in the African continent. She stated, “Our initial investment in Cape Town laid the foundation for our expansion across Africa. These development centers are instrumental in skill development and allow us to recruit locally while ensuring global customer support.”

Nairobi Governor Johnston Sakaja encouraged young people to seize the opportunities presented by AWS’s expansion into East Africa. In May 2021, over 700 Kenyan students received advanced training in programming, networking, security, and relational database skills through AWS Academy.

In a joint effort with the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Authority, AWS announced plans to upskill 10,000 students using AWS Academy in April 2023. This initiative aims to address underemployment, given that over 50,000 Kenyan graduates annually struggle to find gainful employment in their respective fields.

Robin Njiru, Public Sector Lead West, East & Central Africa at AWS, emphasized, “This investment provides local talent with the opportunity to contribute to global customer solutions and experiences. We are excited to expand our investment in Kenya, a testament to the region’s skill quality and depth.”

Beyond Kenya, AWS is partnering with educational institutions in Rwanda and Uganda to offer cloud computing curricula to students, preparing them for careers in cloud computing and related fields. These initiatives have already impacted thousands of young lives, reinforcing AWS’s commitment to empowering youth in East Africa and shaping better futures for both individuals and their communities.