East Africa is stepping up efforts to build a more connected digital economy, with regional institutions and governments working together to improve connectivity, strengthen digital cooperation and expand access to technology across borders.
On 23 September 2026, the East African Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and countries implementing World Bank-supported digital transformation programmes convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to accelerate regional digital integration.
READ ALSO: DIGITAL FINANCE: Lagos Builds Africa’s Next Finance Hub
The three-day Regional Coordination Workshop on Accelerating Regional Digital Integration and Connectivity Across Eastern Africa, running from 22 to 24 September, brought together representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan, alongside officials from the EAC, IGAD and the World Bank.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that digital connectivity is central to economic growth, regional trade and access to essential services. As African countries expand their digital economies, closer cooperation can help address gaps in infrastructure and improve the movement of information and services across national borders.
For East Africa, stronger digital integration could support businesses seeking to operate across borders, improve access to digital services and create opportunities for innovation. Better-connected digital systems can also help public institutions coordinate services and make information more accessible to citizens.
The participation of countries across the Horn of Africa and the wider East African region highlights the importance of a coordinated approach. Digital infrastructure investments are more effective when supported by compatible systems, shared priorities and cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The workshop also comes amid broader continental efforts to expand meaningful internet access. On 21 September, the GSMA and the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa unveiled a roadmap supporting the ambition of connecting one billion people across Africa to the internet by 2030. The framework prioritises the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, coordinated investment in energy and connectivity, and more sustainable ways to connect rural communities.
GSMA
However, expanding connectivity involves more than building networks. Affordability, reliable electricity, digital skills and access to suitable devices remain important considerations in ensuring that more people can participate in the digital economy.
Regional cooperation can help countries address these challenges collectively, while creating opportunities for investment and innovation. For businesses, improved digital connectivity could make it easier to reach new markets, deliver services and participate in regional value chains.
As the Nairobi workshop concludes on 24 September, its discussions offer an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among governments and development partners. The next step will be translating shared priorities into practical initiatives that improve connectivity and make digital services more accessible.
East Africa’s digital integration efforts demonstrate how regional collaboration can support a more connected economy. By strengthening infrastructure and aligning digital development priorities, the region can create new opportunities for businesses, institutions and communities while contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation.
