Estonia, Kenya partner to drive digital transformation

In the wake of the Connected Africa Summit 2024 in Nairobi, CNBC Africa's Tabitha Muthoni sat down with Daniel Schaer, the Estonia Inaugural Envoy to Kenya to discuss the collaborative efforts between Estonia and Kenya in advancing digital transformation in Africa. The two nations have been fostering their relationship through strategic partnerships and investments to bolster Kenya's internet ecosystem. Estonia has made significant strides in digital innovation and is keen on sharing its expertise with Kenya to propel the country forward in its digital transformation journey. Schaer highlighted the importance of Kenya taking the lead in determining its direction while leveraging Estonia's experiences, both successes, and failures, to inform its own path. Estonia has been actively engaged in Kenya through the establishment of a trade office and a development cooperation office in Nairobi, along with an honorary consul who has been serving in the country for over two decades. Schaer emphasized the need for a robust digital identity system, such as the Estonian EID model, to underpin all digital initiatives. This foundation, he believes, is crucial for building a successful digital ecosystem. Schaer commended Kenya's leadership for their vision and determination in driving digital transformation and expressed Estonia's eagerness to learn from Kenya as well. Looking ahead, Estonia is gearing up to host the second Africa Business Forum on May 21st, focusing on key sectors like digital technology, green technologies, and startups. With a thriving ecosystem that has produced 10 unicorns, Estonia aims to share its best practices in supporting startup growth. Additionally, the upcoming e-governance conference will provide a platform for knowledge exchange among African nations and the global community. One of the critical challenges Schaer identified for Africa's digital transformation is the need for effective change management. While technology presents opportunities, changing traditional mindsets and practices poses a significant hurdle. President Ruto of Kenya has been spearheading a vision for digital advancement, emphasizing the importance of top-down leadership coupled with comprehensive retraining programs to ensure inclusivity in the new digital economy. Schaer stressed the importance of not only adopting new technologies but also ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders. In conclusion, the partnership between Estonia and Kenya exemplifies a collaborative approach to driving digital transformation in Africa. By sharing experiences, fostering innovation, and addressing key challenges, both nations are poised to shape a digitally inclusive future for the continent. As Estonia continues to extend its hand to African nations, the exchange of knowledge and expertise paves the way for a mutually beneficial relationship that propels Africa towards a tech-savvy and progressive future.