Kenya has taken a brave move in placing TechPlomacy technology-driven diplomacy at the center of the world efforts to build a safer, more inclusive, and trustworthy digital world.
On Wednesday, 16th July, Nairobi hosted the inaugural TechPlomacy Connective, a high profile event that brought together diplomats, tech experts, civil society leaders, and private sector to share views on how diplomacy could shape and empower the fast-changing digital space.
The event was graced by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, who played a role as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue to produce a more equal and resilient digital environment
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Mudavadi noted that the use of technology in Kenya’s foreign policy agenda is imperative, calling it a driver of both for regional development and sustainable transformation.
He also referred to the country’s rising role on the international stage from spearheading the first-ever UN resolution on Artificial Intelligence to being the only African country to sit on the International Network of AI-Safety Institutes.
Kenya’s Special Envoy for Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo emphasized that digital debate must be converted into concrete action. “The digital future is for all, but only if it is founded upon resilience, safety, trust, and inclusion and technology must always serve humanity,” he stated
Thigo, the front-runner of the initiative along with the Belgian Embassy, reiterated that technological diplomacy must go beyond technical hardware and focus instead on human rights, digital equality, and moral innovation.
He highlighted cybersecurity and data governance as key elements of modern-day diplomacy.
“Technology is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Let’s use it properly to create impact,” he stated.
The launch attracted international attention, as ambassadors from across the globe, including Belgium and Italy, attended the forums.
Belgium Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Peter Maddens implored participants to act early and inclusively in crafting digital change. “Let’s get to work. Let’s shape the future together,” he said.
The TechPlomacy Connective is envisioned as an ongoing center of diplomatic and innovation linking policy, research, and technology to create practical solutions to solve global digital issues.
By situating the conversation on the African continent, Kenya is signaling readiness to support the co-creation of global digital norms that are inclusive, ethical, and human-centered.
