The East African Community (EAC) Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, is hosting the 2nd Edition of the East African Digital Leaders Forum on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) from May 14th to 16th, 2025. This forum aims to review progress, encourage collaboration, and enhance the development of digital infrastructure across the region.
The event, supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), will assess the implementation of DPI initiatives since the last workshop in August 2024. Focus areas include the development of trusted DPI with safeguards and facilitating cross-border interoperability in digital identity, e-payments, and data exchange mechanisms.
Themed “Unlocking Regional Integration and Global Influence through Safeguarding Digital Public Infrastructure,” the forum promotes dialogue between public and private partners on DPI development. It aims to generate cross-border projects with Development Finance Institutions.
Ongoing challenges such as the digital divide, limited interoperability, and infrastructure gaps will also be addressed. The discussions intend to foster coordinated actions and scalable solutions for robust digital systems and enhance regional collaboration.
EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica Nduva noted the global recognition of DPI as critical to the 21st-century economy, emphasising its potential to democratise access and foster inclusion for all citizens. She highlighted the regional progress in digital transformation, showcasing efforts from countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to implement interoperable services.
GIZ Cluster Coordinator Mr Bjoern Richter committed to supporting regional digital collaboration to improve cross-border services. The forum brings together representatives from Partner States, private sector leaders, and development institutions to evaluate progress and collaboratively develop an implementation roadmap for the future.
