By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Countries across Eastern
Africa are working towards common digital standards, coordinated investments
and practical commitments to accelerate regional digital integration and
connectivity.
The discussions are taking
place at the Regional Coordination Workshop on Accelerating Regional Digital
Integration and Connectivity Across Eastern Africa, being held in Nairobi from
September 22 to 24, 2026.
The workshop is being
attended by representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South
Sudan, alongside officials from the East African Community (EAC), the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Project Implementation Units
and World Bank technical experts.
The ICT Authority, through
the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), is participating in the
regional workshop, which is focused on moving beyond individual country
projects towards coordinated approaches to digital infrastructure and services.
During the opening session,
participants emphasised the need for common regional standards, coordinated
investments and practical commitments to support cross-border digital
development.
Discussions highlighted the
importance of aligning cross-border fibre deployment, addressing rights-of-way
challenges and improving the affordability and accessibility of digital
connectivity across the region.
Participants also examined
opportunities to leverage submarine cable infrastructure in Kenya and Djibouti
to strengthen regional connectivity.
The workshop further
highlighted the need for harmonised data governance and privacy standards,
stronger cross-border cybersecurity coordination and interoperable digital
public services.
Participants also called for
practical solutions to enable seamless regional digital trade and e-commerce,
supporting greater integration of digital markets across Eastern Africa.
Country teams shared
implementation progress, common challenges and lessons from their respective
projects, while discussions underscored the need to accelerate procurement and
approvals, operationalise bilateral agreements, strengthen peer learning and coordinate
infrastructure investments.
Over the three-day workshop,
participants are expected to work towards agreed priorities and a
forward-looking regional action agenda aimed at supporting secure, inclusive
and connected digital transformation across Eastern Africa.
