The East African Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Eastern African countries implementing World Bank-supported digital transformation programmes have convened in Nairobi to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate digital integration.
The three-day Regional Coordination Workshop on Accelerating Regional Digital Integration and Connectivity Across Eastern Africa is taking place from 22 to 24 September 2026, bringing together representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan, alongside EAC, IGAD and World Bank representatives.
Participating countries are implementing World Bank-funded digital integration and connectivity projects through the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) and related programmes. EAC and IGAD are also advancing complementary regional initiatives focused on cross-border connectivity, policy harmonisation and digital integration.
Kenya is not a direct national beneficiary of EARDIP. However, regional activities under the World Bank-funded Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) align with EARDIP objectives, positioning Kenya as an important partner in Eastern Africa’s wider digital transformation efforts.
The workshop comes as countries across the region continue investing in broadband infrastructure, digital public services, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and the wider digital economy. Participants are using the meeting to review implementation progress, address common challenges and strengthen the impact of regional digital investments.
Discussions are centred on five strategic priorities: enhancing regional connectivity, expanding digital public infrastructure and services, strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, promoting cross-border digital trade and improving coordination among participating countries and regional institutions.
Participants are also examining cross-border broadband connectivity, interoperable digital services, cybersecurity cooperation, digital trade and e-commerce opportunities. The discussions aim to move beyond fragmented national approaches towards coordinated regional solutions that can support seamless connectivity and trusted digital ecosystems across borders.
The workshop is also reviewing previous regional coordination efforts, including policy and regulatory harmonisation, knowledge-sharing platforms and bilateral agreements supporting cross-border connectivity.
The engagement highlights the role of collaboration between EAC, IGAD, national project implementers and development partners in building a more connected, secure and inclusive digital economy across Eastern Africa.
