NTT DATA’s Nairobi HQ Slashes Grid Power Use by 33% with Solar and AI Workspaces

NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, is in the process of installing a solar energy system that is expected to help the company use less electricity from the national electricity grid by more than 33%.  

The investment comes at a time when Kenya and its neighbors are stepping up efforts to meet global sustainability goals, with solar, hydro, and carbon market initiatives gaining momentum across the region. NTT DATA’s move mirrors a growing shift among multinational firms to embed environmental stewardship into core business operations. 

NTT DATA East Africa’s Managing Director, Richard Hechle, spoke at the official opening of the new headquarters at The Cube, Riverside Drive. He said the company is committed to making sustainability part of its business plan. The company has promised to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, which is ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050. 

“Our investment in solar energy for our new headquarters is not just about reducing operational costs—it’s about taking responsibility for the future. Technology and sustainability must go hand in hand,” Hechle said. “By investing in solar energy, we’re reducing our environmental impact, building resilience into our operations, and modelling responsible business for the region.” 

Hechle noted that the move was informed by East Africa’s ICT sector rapid shift toward energy-efficient infrastructure, AI-driven services and hybrid-ready workplaces. The new office features AI-powered boardrooms designed for modern, fast-paced collaboration. The system has smart videoconferencing, real-time transcription, interactive whiteboarding and room automation. It is supported by advanced technologies like Cisco Board Pro, PTZ 4K cameras, Biamp DSP audio processing and LG digital signage that changes content in real time. 

“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,” he added. 

Hechle says sustainability is now a key business need. Our clients want partners who not only talk about environmental, social and governance (ESG) but also put it into how they work. That’s exactly what we’ve done here.” 

NTT DATA Middle East and Africa CEO Alan Turnley-Jones said the Nairobi office is important to the company’s plan to make East Africa a starting point for technology solutions that can grow, be ethical and be available to everyone. These solutions can be used in banking, healthcare and manufacturing. 

“This facility signals our intent to grow in Africa — not just in footprint, but in impact. With AI and cloud innovation, we can help African enterprises leapfrog legacy systems, drive efficiencies, and create new jobs in the digital economy,” Turnley-Jones said. 

He highlighted NTT DATA’s investment in Smart AI Agent™ and an Agentic AI Ecosystem, that are scalable, cloud-based, and tailored to industry needs capable of unlocking a new wave of digital transformation for the region. Demand is already rising for AI applications in fraud detection, claims automation, recruitment optimisation, and regulatory reporting. 

 Balancing innovation and ethical governance are at the heart of NTT DATA’s responsible AI strategy. “The future of AI in Africa must be ethical, inclusive, and built for real-world impact,” Turnley-Jones added. “Our approach to governance, data sovereignty, and strategic partnerships offers a framework that African governments, universities, and the private sector can build on.” 

Turnley-Jones stressed that the company will continue to invest in workforce upskilling and digital inclusion. The shift to “user-in-the-loop” AI is creating new opportunities in AI supervision, oversight and orchestration — areas where Africa’s young talent pool can excel. Through global partnerships and training initiatives, including with Mistral AI and others, NTT DATA aims to develop an AI ready, skilled and locally rooted workforce. 

The launch event was attended by NTT DATA’s global and regional leadership teams, as well as the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya. Guests took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the office and discussions on the role of technology and sustainable energy in shaping East Africa’s future.