NTT DATA has officially unveiled its new East Africa headquarters in Nairobi — a smart, solar-powered facility designed to reduce reliance on Kenya’s national electricity grid by more than 33%.
Located at The Cube on Riverside Drive, the new hub represents more than just a modern office space. It is a statement of intent: to lead the way in environmental stewardship, next-generation workplace innovation, and responsible artificial intelligence in East Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
The solar energy system currently being installed is expected to significantly cut the company’s carbon footprint, forming a key part of NTT DATA’s broader pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 — a full decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s 2050 target.
“Our investment in solar energy for our new headquarters is not just about reducing operational costs — it’s about taking responsibility for the future,” said Richard Hechle, Managing Director of NTT DATA East Africa, during the opening ceremony. “Technology and sustainability must go hand in hand. By investing in solar, we’re reducing our environmental impact, building operational resilience, and modelling responsible business for the region.”
The announcement comes amid a wave of sustainability initiatives across East Africa, where governments and businesses alike are ramping up investment in solar, hydroelectric power, and carbon credit markets. NTT DATA’s decision aligns with a growing trend among global firms to embed ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into everyday operations.
Smarter, Greener Workspaces
The new headquarters features state-of-the-art, AI-enabled boardrooms equipped with tools for modern hybrid work environments. Among the innovations are smart videoconferencing systems, real-time transcription, interactive whiteboarding, and room automation — all supported by advanced technology stacks such as Cisco Board Pro, 4K PTZ cameras, Biamp DSP audio processing, and dynamic LG digital signage.
“Our innovations reflect NTT DATA’s vision for smarter, more inclusive workspaces — aligned with East Africa’s growing appetite for ambient intelligence and energy-efficient computing,” Hechle added. “Sustainability is no longer optional. Clients now expect us to walk the ESG talk — and that’s exactly what we’ve done here.”
East Africa as a Launchpad for Ethical Tech
Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO for NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, emphasized the strategic importance of the new Nairobi office in the company’s regional growth plans. He positioned the facility as a launching pad for inclusive, ethical, and scalable digital solutions across sectors such as banking, healthcare, and manufacturing.
“This facility signals our intent to grow in Africa — not just in footprint, but in impact,” said Turnley-Jones. “With AI and cloud innovation, we can help African enterprises leapfrog legacy systems, drive efficiencies, and create new jobs in the digital economy.”
He also highlighted NTT DATA’s investment in scalable technologies like Smart AI Agent™ and its Agentic AI Ecosystem, tailored to local and industry-specific challenges. Demand for AI-driven tools in fraud detection, recruitment, insurance claims automation, and regulatory reporting is already accelerating, he noted.
Crucially, Turnley-Jones underscored the company’s focus on ethical AI, governance, and data sovereignty.
“The future of AI in Africa must be ethical, inclusive, and built for real-world impact. Our approach to governance and strategic partnerships offers a framework that African governments, universities, and private sector players can build on.”
Investing in Local Talent
Beyond technology, NTT DATA is also betting on Africa’s young workforce. The shift toward “user-in-the-loop” AI — which requires human oversight, orchestration, and ethical decision-making — is creating new types of digital jobs that the company believes African talent is uniquely positioned to lead.
Through global partnerships, including with emerging AI leader Mistral AI, NTT DATA is developing training programs to build a locally rooted, AI-ready workforce.
“Upskilling, inclusion, and digital literacy are central to our regional strategy,” Turnley-Jones said. “We’re not just bringing technology — we’re building capacity, jobs, and ecosystems.”
The launch ceremony was attended by NTT DATA’s global and regional leadership, alongside dignitaries including the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya. Guests participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the solar-powered smart office, and a roundtable on how digital and renewable technologies can reshape East Africa’s development trajectory.
