Korean Tech Firms Target Kenya’s Entry

Korean firms are eyeing Kenya’s entry into the smart technology market as the country ramps up its smart city ambitions.

Korea Trade Development Agency (KOTRA) Eom Ikhyun stated during the unveiling of the Korean Pavilion at the 2023 BIG 5 Construction Roadshow in Kenya that three Korean companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenyan companies.

Korea GT has agreed to collaborate with SONVAR Chemicals, while POQUTEC has agreed to collaborate with Regal Equipment.

SJ Chemical has signed a partnership with two Kenyan firms: Panafrican Business Enterprises (PABE) and Kleos Flooring.

They are one of fifteen companies exhibiting at the Korean Pavilion, hoping to strengthen business ties with Kenyan counterparts and bolster Kenya’s ambitions to become East Africa’s digital and ICT hub.

“The companies have brought forth technologies that are the building blocks of the smart, sustainable cities of tomorrow,” Eom said.

Smart construction supervision systems, energy management systems, traffic safety systems, and water purification systems are among the technologies introduced by Korean companies that can achieve sustainable development in smart city construction projects.

Kenya’s KONZA Technopolis, to which these technologies will be applied, will set the standard for smart cities throughout Africa.

Hansol Homedeco, Jchem, SP Solled, Raum Architecture, Kevin Lab, Samsung, Kevin Lab, Kumkang Kind, Posco International, Geogrid, Teraenergy, and Wise Bridge are among the other companies displaying them.

Since 2008, the Korean government has worked with the Kenyan government on digital and ICT projects, with a focus on the Konza Development Authority and Konza Smart City.

“The Korean government is laying the groundwork for Kenya’s Konza Smart City Development project through the Economic Development Experience Sharing Project (KSP) and the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) and continues business cooperation by operating a smart city cooperation center. In September, it successfully completed the second phase of the EIPP project,” South Korean Embassy Ambassador YEO Sungjun said.

YEO also revealed that the Kenya Institute of Science and Technology’s (Kenya-AIST) ‘Kenya KAIST’ project, which began with EDCF funds from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, is scheduled to be completed in March 2024.

Following the Kenya KAIST project, the South Korean government intends to expedite the Konza DMC construction project.

Kenya was ranked fifth on the African continent and 131 globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2023.