East African Digital Leaders Unite in Arusha for Regional DPI Development
EAC Digital Leaders Forum in Arusha explores cross-border digital public infrastructure, strengthening regional integration through trusted, interoperable digital solutions.
The 2nd Edition of the East African Digital Leaders Forum on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is currently underway at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The forum seeks to to review progress, facilitate joint action and foster cross-border digital infrastructure development in the region.
The objective of the three-day meeting supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) is to assess the implementation of DPI initiatives across EAC Partner States since the August 2024 workshop, focusing on building trusted DPI with Safeguards and facilitating cross-border collaboration by bringing together interoperable digital identity, e-payment and data exchange mechanisms across the region
The forum themed “Unlocking Regional Integration and Global Influence through Safeguarding Digital Public Infrastructure,” will feature constructive dialogue between public and private partners on DPI development to further national and regional implementation in East Africa, and on how to develop cross-border use-cases and bankable projects for DPI with Development Finance Institutions.
The forum will also address ongoing challenges such as the digital divide, limited interoperability and infrastructure gaps.
The discussions are expected to support the design of coordinated actions and scalable solutions – such as building trusted digital systems and strengthening cross-border collaboration through interoperable technologies.
The forum is aligned with global relevance, particularly on the EAC’s contribution in shaping global digital governance, policies, strategies and cooperation frameworks, particularly in the G20 Digital Economy Working Group under the South African Presidency
Addressing the opening session of the forum, the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, emphasised the importance of digital public infrastructure in driving economic growth and social development across the region.
We meet at a time when Digital Public Infrastructure is being recognised globally as the “rail and roads” of the 21st century economy. Unlike traditional infrastructure, DPI holds the extraordinary potential to democratize access, accelerate inclusion, and ensure that every citizen – regardless of location or income – has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.
– Hon. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, EAC
Hon. Nduva underscored the region’s steady advance towards demonstrating leadership in digital transformation, citing countries like Tanzania, Rwanda and Somalia, which she said have made commendable progress by implementing national switches to support interoperable payments across borders.
Rwanda’s Irembo platform continues to showcase the power of integrated digital service delivery. Kenya’s e-Citizen, Samia Stack in Tanzania, and Uganda’s ongoing work on digital ID and data exchange frameworks reflect strong commitments to innovation and accountability.
– Hon. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, EAC
She reaffirmed EAC’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and building a robust digital public infrastructure that will enhance connectivity, accessibility, and service delivery throughout the region.
On his part, the GIZ Cluster Coordinator, Mr. Bjoern Richter, said that GIZ was committed to furthering regional collaboration on digital public infrastructure to accelerate cross-border services for EAC citizens.
Based on the strong commitment from the EAC Heads of States and policy agreements, such as the Payment System Master Plan, GIZ will support the EAC in delivering real progress on the ground
As EAC aims to strengthen their digital economy, we will support the process by European expertise to further digital economy collaboration between the European digital market and the East African Community.
– Mr. Bjoern Richter, Cluster Coordinator, GIZ
The forum brings together representatives from Partner States, the private sector and development institutions to take stock of progress, align priorities and co- develop an implementation roadmap.
The 14th – 16th May, 2025 forum will also feature Partner States presentations on national DPI achievements and challenges complemented by high-level dialogues with private sector leaders from prominent digital and development organisations.
