Ivhu Africa, an Australian company specializing in eco-friendly supply chain infrastructure, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Semiconductors Technologies LLC (STL) to construct tailored facilities for semiconductor and microchip development in Africa, starting with Kenya.
The agreement entails a direct investment of $400 million (Sh54 billion) in infrastructure and real estate across Sub-Saharan Africa over six years.
Initial projects include two facilities at Kenya’s Dedan Kimathi Science and Technology Park in Nyeri County, costing $110 million (Sh14.85 billion).
During the AmCham Business Summit, convened by the American Chamber of Commerce Kenya and its partners at Windsor Hotel, Founder and Managing Director of Ivhu Africa, Maruza Chikwanha emphasized the significance of the project in advancing Africa’s green industrialization objectives, enhancing supply chain diversity, job creation, and positioning Kenya as Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
Mr Chikwanha highlighted, “The potential to boost Kenya’s foreign direct investment by contributing $10 million (Sh1.35 billion) and creating over 300 jobs during construction, with 80% benefiting the local community. Construction of the first building is expected to conclude in Q3 of 2025, followed by a second facility in Nyeri costing $100 million (Sh13.5 billion).
Beyond Kenya, the collaboration will extend to Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Botswana, where nanofabrication plants and science centers will be established to support workforce development and promote technological literacy among Africans.
Founder and Managing Director of Semiconductors Technologies Limited, Dr. Anthony Githinji stressed the importance of enhancing Africa’s technological capabilities through improved infrastructure and human resources.
Dr Githinji emphasized the complexity and costliness of semiconductor development facilities and anticipated a significant increase in staff, from 100 to 1,000, upon full operation of Ivhu’s first location.
“The partnership integrates Ivhu’s expertise in green-certified infrastructure with STL’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, aligning with their commitment to eco-friendly, cost-effective supply chain solutions.”
Amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, prioritizing green industrialization and technology adoption is vital for Africa’s economic growth.
Establishing robust science and technology ecosystems, exemplified by DeST-Park in Nyeri, will drive industrialization and foster economic development.
STL and Ivhu envision a future where exponential technology is accessible to all, rewriting Africa’s narrative one semiconductor at a time.
Ivhu Africa specializes in developing and leasing eco-friendly industrial real estate properties across the COMESA free trade area, supporting businesses in various sectors including e-commerce, technology, food production, retail, and healthcare.
Their expertise in green building aligns with their commitment to sustainable, resilient supply chain solutions.