Nairobi, Kenya – Azerbaijan and Kenya Forge Digital Future in High-Level Talks on e-Governance Cooperation

In a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating digital transformation, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Sultan Hajiyev, met with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, in Nairobi this week. The meeting, described as both constructive and forward-looking, focused on advancing cooperation in the use of digital platforms to streamline governance and modernize public service delivery.

Bridging Continents Through Digital Innovation

The high-level dialogue marks a significant step in deepening relations between Baku and Nairobi, with both nations recognizing the transformative power of technology in reshaping government processes. According to a statement released by the Ministry’s press service, the talks centered on “exploring opportunities for cooperation in leveraging digital platforms to enhance intergovernmental workflows.”

This initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya, as the government intensifies efforts under its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) — an ambitious national blueprint designed to foster inclusive economic growth through digitization. At the heart of BETA lies a bold objective: to deliver at least 80 percent of all public services online, improving transparency, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and bringing services closer to the people.

A Shared Vision for E-Governance

During the meeting, both parties shared best practices and innovations from their respective countries, with a particular emphasis on minimizing outdated analogue procedures and embracing agile, tech-driven governance. Ambassador Hajiyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s progress in building a digital state, notably through initiatives such as ASAN service centers — a model that has gained international recognition for enhancing public sector efficiency and citizen satisfaction.

Hon. Kabogo welcomed the prospects of such collaboration, noting Kenya’s readiness to partner with global allies in accelerating its digital journey. “This partnership opens new avenues for technology exchange, policy dialogue, and capacity-building — all crucial to unlocking the full potential of our digital economy,” he remarked.

Laying Foundations for Long-Term Digital Partnerships

While the meeting focused primarily on governance, the two leaders also touched on broader areas of mutual interest, including digital entrepreneurship, cybersecurity cooperation, and skills development. Both sides agreed to form a working group to draft a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would serve as the framework for future collaboration in the digital sphere.

As Kenya seeks to position itself as a regional tech hub and Azerbaijan continues to expand its global digital diplomacy footprint, the momentum generated by this meeting could set the stage for deeper, long-term engagement between the two nations.

This growing partnership is not just a win for diplomacy — it is a leap toward a smarter, more inclusive digital future for both Kenya and Azerbaijan.