In a significant cross-continental tech development, Dubai-based crypto infrastructure company Omining has expanded its operations into Kenya, launching one of the region’s first large-scale Web3 facilities established by a UAE entity. The new hub, located within Kenya’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Naivasha, will begin with a 90-megawatt crypto mining capacity, with plans to increase to 200 megawatts in the near future.
The move comes amid growing international interest in Kenya’s SEZ framework. Major global tech companies like Microsoft have already established a presence, while Google and Amazon are reportedly conducting due diligence for entry. Omining’s early-stage investment reflects growing confidence in Kenya as a next-generation digital infrastructure destination.
Strategic Synergies with Dubai
Operating under the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) ecosystem, Omining brings with it a playbook shaped by Dubai’s regulatory clarity, rapid innovation cycles, and stable business environment. The decision to scale operations into Kenya aligns with broader digital-economic ties forming between the Gulf and East Africa.
“We’re witnessing the beginning of a revolutionary era—the democratization of cryptocurrency mining,” said Francesco Colucci, Managing Partner at Omining. “By enabling anyone to mine a currency without government control, we’re reshaping the world’s financial landscape.”
Why Kenya—and Why Now?
Naivasha was selected for its year-round temperate climate (6°C to 30°C), 100% tax-free status within the SEZ, and currency stability, with the Kenyan shilling closely aligned with the US dollar. The site offers a reliable power grid and easy access to Nairobi’s logistics network without its urban congestion.
Kenya has emerged as a leader in renewable energy production, including geothermal, wind, and solar. While urban power supply is relatively stable, rural areas remain under-electrified. Experts say large-scale crypto mining operations like Omining’s can create baseline demand for energy utilities, enhancing grid stability and infrastructure monetization.
“The infrastructure we’re building is about more than just scale,” said Lorenzo Calligaris, CTO at Omining. “You need to be in environments that understand what you’re doing and let you move fast—but responsibly.”
Digital Diplomacy and Economic Impact
Kenya’s SEZ Authority has welcomed the move. In recent statements, Kenneth Chelule, CEO of the SEZ Authority, cited crypto mining as a “new industrial frontier” that could create employment, drive tech upskilling, and diversify the country’s digital exports.
Omining’s entry signals an evolving model of Dubai–Africa digital cooperation. With Kenya offering the natural resources and policy openness, and Dubai contributing capital, expertise, and speed, this partnership hints at the kind of hybrid ecosystems that may define the next era of Web3 infrastructure globally.
As Omining powers up its Naivasha site, all eyes are now on how this pioneering move will reshape the crypto and tech landscape in East Africa and beyond.
