Mwale Medical and Technology City in Butere is the model for a planned smart-city expansion across Africa.
The Butere-based development plans to extend its model across 12 African countries, targeting 18 sustainable smart cities by 2050.
Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) says it has secured more than USD 4.3 billion in investment commitments to expand its smart-city model across Africa, with plans to establish 18 sustainable cities in 12 countries by 2050.
The commitments were finalised during side events at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the MMTC team has been engaging investors and government representatives. The discussions covered diaspora investment, artificial intelligence, healthcare and sustainable development.
The expansion would take the model behind the Butere, Kakamega County development into other African markets, combining essential services and economic activities within planned urban developments.
Expansion built around healthcare and technology
MMTC founder Julius Mwale said the investor response reflected interest in African-led development that connects technological progress with wider social and economic benefits.
He said the commitments would help accelerate expansion beyond Kenya, with the intended benefits including employment, improved healthcare, stronger local economies and better infrastructure. The funding announced represents investment commitments rather than a statement that the money has already been disbursed.
The proposed cities would integrate healthcare, technology, manufacturing, housing and education alongside other essential services. Under the 2050 plan, each development would follow the principles of the Kenyan project while responding to the priorities and opportunities of its host community.
Mwale described the ambition as building technologically advanced cities that are sustainable, inclusive and centred on community needs, rather than pursuing technology as an end in itself.
AI and diaspora investment feature in talks
MMTC is also using the New York engagements to discuss artificial intelligence, green-powered data centres and potential applications of AI in healthcare and other sectors.
Mwale said Africa needed to help shape the development of artificial intelligence instead of remaining primarily a consumer of technologies created elsewhere. He emphasised applying technology to practical challenges and creating opportunities for communities.
The side events have brought together investors, policymakers, technology leaders, healthcare stakeholders and members of the African diaspora to discuss financing sustainable development.
Mwale said diaspora communities could contribute capital, specialist expertise and international networks to projects on the continent. He described MMTC’s engagements as a way to connect those resources with developments capable of delivering measurable benefits.
Butere development anchors continental vision
MMTC is a USD 2 billion sustainable smart-city development in Butere. It brings together healthcare, technology, education, housing, manufacturing, agriculture and other economic activities.
Its approach places technology and sustainable infrastructure at the centre of efforts to create jobs, widen access to services and support surrounding communities.
The continental expansion plan seeks to carry that integrated approach into additional African markets, with healthcare and innovation remaining core components of the proposed cities.
