Arusha, Tanzania | May 17, 2025 – The East African Community (EAC) is hosting the 2nd East African Digital Leaders Forum on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) at its headquarters in Arusha, aimed at accelerating regional digital integration and cross-border interoperability.
The three-day event, supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), builds on the outcomes of the August 2024 workshop and seeks to evaluate DPI progress across EAC Partner States while proposing joint implementation frameworks.
Forum Goals: Digital Unity with Safeguards
Held under the theme “Unlocking Regional Integration and Global Influence through Safeguarding Digital Public Infrastructure,” the forum addresses key areas:
- Trusted digital identity systems
- Interoperable e-payments
- Data exchange frameworks
- Bridging the digital divide
- Fostering bankable digital infrastructure projects
Participants include government leaders, private sector innovators, development partners, and representatives from financial institutions. Discussions are expected to produce coordinated actions that strengthen cross-border digital collaboration and advance the region’s role in global digital governance, particularly in the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.
EAC’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica Nduva emphasized that DPI is the “rails and roads” of the 21st-century economy, with the potential to democratize access and promote inclusive development.
“Digital infrastructure unlocks opportunity for every citizen, regardless of geography or income,” said Hon. Nduva.
She highlighted progress by EAC members:
- Rwanda’s Irembo platform for integrated digital services
- Kenya’s e-Citizen portal
- Tanzania’s Samia Stack
- Uganda’s digital ID and data exchange frameworks
These innovations, she noted, illustrate the region’s commitment to digital accountability and innovation.
GIZ: Driving Regional Collaboration
Mr. Bjoern Richter, GIZ Cluster Coordinator, reiterated Germany’s support in realizing regional DPI goals:
“GIZ is committed to helping EAC translate policy frameworks like the Payment System Master Plan into real-world outcomes,” he said, calling on civil society and the private sector to co-create inclusive digital ecosystems.
GIZ also aims to foster deeper collaboration between the East African digital economy and Europe, leveraging expertise and shared priorities.
Looking Ahead
Running from May 14 to 16, 2025, the forum features country-specific DPI achievement presentations, private sector engagement sessions, and working groups developing an implementation roadmap for DPI across the region.
With the EAC positioning itself as a continental leader in digital public infrastructure, the outcomes of this forum are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping how the region engages in global digital governance, investment, and cross-border innovation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3GZi7YXiHE
