Arusha, Tanzania - The East African Community (EAC) and the European Union (EU) have announced a collaborative initiative aimed at propelling a human-centric digital transformation in East Africa. The agreement, reached after a two-day conference facilitated by the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, brings together key stakeholders from the EAC region and European partners with a focus on employing digital technologies for regional integration.
EAC Secretary General, Dr Peter Mathuki, emphasized the EAC's vision of creating a single regional digital market encompassing online platforms, a data market, and enhanced connectivity. This vision, according to Dr Mathuki, hinges on digital skills, innovation, infrastructure, financing, and a conducive legal and regulatory framework. Achieving this goal, he noted, necessitates digitalization across sectors and integrated platforms.
The primary objective of the EAC is to develop a regional digital market, vital for both the region's development and the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The initiative also emphasizes the need for partner states to harmonize regulations, focusing on data governance and artificial intelligence (AI) standards.
The collaborative effort between the EAC and EU aims to evaluate the current state of digital transformation in the region. Through the "Team Europe" initiative, which includes the EU and its member states, the strategy seeks to mobilize 300 billion euros in investments. These funds will be channeled towards enhancing smart, clean, and secure digital, energy, and transport sectors. Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen health, education, and research systems worldwide.
EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, highlighted Team Europe's resolute commitment to supporting East Africa's digital transformation and its global partners. The European Commission's Digital4Development (D4D) approach recognizes the potential of digital technologies and services as powerful tools for sustainable inclusive development and growth worldwide.
The conference witnessed the participation of representatives from the EAC Secretariat and other EAC Institutions, ICT ministries of EAC partner states, the EU delegation to Tanzania, and EAC and EU member states. The event identified seven strategic areas of engagement, aligning with the priorities of the 6th EAC Development Strategy. These areas include connectivity, data governance, e-governance/cybersecurity, e-commerce, information communication telecommunication regulations, digital innovation, and digital skills.
As a testament to the EU's commitment to digital transformation in East Africa, the conference coincided with the launch of the digital economy package by the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, in Nairobi on October 5, 2025. This dual event underscores the EU's dedication to nurturing innovation and fostering connectivity within the region, marking a significant step towards a digitally empowered East Africa.
