COMESA Launches Kigali Consultations on Regional AI, Digital Inclusion Frameworks

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)  has convened a four-day stakeholder consultation in Kigali, Rwanda, to develop two regional frameworks aimed at shaping digital transformation across Eastern and Southern Africa: the COMESA Regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the COMESA Regional Digital Inclusion Strategy.

The consultations, supported by the World Bank under the IDEA Programme, bring together senior government officials, regulators, private sector representatives, academia, civil society and development partners. The engagement is focused on developing a coordinated approach to digital transformation, bridging digital divides, strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure and building institutional capacity across COMESA Member States.

Speaking on behalf of the COMESA Director of Infrastructure and Logistics, Dr. Bernard Dzawanda, COMESA Telecommunications Officer Leonard Chitundu stressed the importance of ensuring that the regional strategies reflect the needs and realities of Member States.

“These consultations are part of an inclusive and evidence-based process designed to ensure that the resulting regional frameworks reflect the priorities and realities of our Member States. Your perspectives and recommendations are therefore critical to their success.”

– Leonard Chitundu, Telecommunications Officer, COMESA

Opening the engagement as Guest of Honour, Esther Kunda, Director-General in charge of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, highlighted the growing impact of AI and emerging technologies on economies and public services.

“We meet at a defining moment as artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies, public services, and societies. For Rwanda, digital transformation remains a national priority and a key driver of sustainable growth. However, as we harness AI, we must ensure its benefits are inclusive, while simultaneously strengthening data governance, cybersecurity, digital trust, and ethical policy frameworks.”

– Esther Kunda, Director-General in charge of Innovation and Emerging Technologies, Rwanda Ministry of ICT and Innovation

The first two days of the consultation are dedicated to artificial intelligence, including an assessment of regional AI readiness, identification of priority use cases in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and education, and discussions around the policy, ethical and regulatory requirements for responsible AI adoption.

The final two days will focus on digital inclusion and barriers to participation in the digital economy. Discussions will cover affordable connectivity and devices, digital skills gaps, accessibility, as well as digital trust and safety.

COMESA also recognised Rwanda’s experience in digital innovation and responsible AI adoption, with the country’s approach expected to provide useful lessons as the regional frameworks are developed. The organisation noted that Member States are at different stages of digital maturity, making regional cooperation important to ensuring that the strategies remain practical and relevant across diverse national contexts.

Chitundu further emphasised the value of collaboration among Member States in building a more integrated digital economy.

“We can learn from one another and work together to build an integrated, inclusive, and trusted regional digital economy.”

– Leonard Chitundu, Telecommunications Officer, COMESA

The recommendations from the Kigali consultations will feed directly into the drafting of the COMESA Regional AI Strategy, the Regional Digital Inclusion Strategy, their respective action plans and supporting policy and regulatory frameworks. These frameworks are expected to guide digital development and cooperation across Eastern and Southern Africa.