USTDA Partners with Kenya to Boost Semiconductor Manufacturing

Arlington, VA - Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant agreement with Kenyan technology company Semiconductor Technologies Limited (STL) for a feasibility study to develop a new semiconductor fabrication facility that will help diversify and strengthen global supply chains for legacy chips that are used in numerous commercial applications. The grant was signed at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during the State Visit of Kenyan President William S. Ruto to the United States.

"USTDA supports Kenya's goal of becoming a global technology hub. By partnering with companies like STL, USTDA is advancing the necessary infrastructure that will help cement this status," said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA's Director. "The growing demand for semiconductors is generating enormous opportunities for U.S. technology exports to fabrication facilities in partner countries like Kenya."

Semiconductor chips have a wide variety of applications, including in energy and power systems, automative applications, biotechnology, agriculture and livestock, and Internet of Things applications. USTDA's study will support the development of Africa's second commercial fabrication facility on the campus of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri, Kenya. Building global production capacity is critical to both meeting the growing demand for semiconductors and diversifying supply chains.

"USTDA's assistance will unlock significant investment opportunities for STL and for the Kenya semiconductor ecosystem, fostering extensive bilateral and private sector engagement among the U.S., Kenya, and the broader continent," said STL's Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Githinji. "This grant also demonstrates the confidence that the U.S. government has in Kenya and in the Silicon Savannah as a hub for advanced technology and manufacturing. I extend my deepest gratitude to the USTDA team and to the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, for their unwavering support that led to this pivotal grant."

U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility studyshould visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.

USTDA's assistance advances Biden-Harris Administration priorities including the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022's goals to diversify the global semiconductor supply chain, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, Prosper Africa, and the Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative. The Agency's programming also follows through on commitments made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022.

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

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