KIGALI: THE EAST African Community (EAC) has taken a serious step to empower young innovators, rewarding them for utilizing technology to deal with regional challenges and boosting their capability to ship impactful options.
Through the EAC Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and growth companions, monetary awards got to innovators from EAC member states.
Top winners acquired 10,000 US {dollars} every, whereas others had been awarded 1,400 US {dollars}. The awards had been introduced through the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Minister of (*15*) Technology, Communication and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, stated the improvements, powered by technology, are already addressing challenges in schooling, agriculture, environmental safety, well being, and transportation.
She urged member states to proceed supporting young innovators and encourage participation in innovation initiatives, particularly via Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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At the convention, contributors adopted 15 resolutions to strengthen AI adoption throughout the area. The resolutions purpose to guarantee AI alternatives are totally harnessed to enhance service supply, regional integration, and financial progress.
Among the resolutions are strengthening nationwide AI insurance policies and techniques, constructing AI abilities, establishing a regional heart of excellence for rising applied sciences, making a regional AI analysis fund, growing expert human sources, and bettering shared AI infrastructure and knowledge administration methods.
Other measures embrace making a Regional Digital Leaders Forum, nurturing innovation expertise, and selling moral AI use.
The three-day convention, held from March 30 to April 1, 2026, highlighted East Africa’s dedication to innovation and technology as key drivers for sustainable growth.