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East African Science and Technology Commission, Kigali, Rwanda, 28th January, 2026: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), will convene the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference from 4th to 6th March 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda beneath the theme Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Innovative East Africa at Kigali Convention Centre. The Regional Conference shall carry collectively high-level policymakers, researchers, innovators, non-public sector leaders, growth companions, civil society, and youth from throughout the area and past.
The 4th EAC Regional STI Conference would be the first in the historical past of the East African Community (EAC) to focus solely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a cross-cutting driver of regional growth, digital transformation, and inclusive development. It goals to place East Africa on the forefront of accountable, people-centred, and development-oriented AI adoption in line with regional and continental priorities.
The Conference is strategically aligned with key continental and regional frameworks, together with: The African Union Agenda 2063, The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034), The AU Continental AI Strategy (2024) and The EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2023–2033). These frameworks emphasize digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth as important pillars for Africa’s long-term socio-economic transformation.
Artificial Intelligence is quickly remodeling economies and societies worldwide, with important potential to speed up progress in agriculture, well being, schooling, local weather motion, industrialisation, monetary inclusion, and public service supply.
Despite rising international momentum on AI, East Africa continues to face challenges together with restricted technical capability, fragmented AI infrastructure, low funding in AI analysis, and gaps in coordinated governance and regulatory frameworks. The Conference will subsequently function a well timed and strategic platform to tackle these gaps and catalyse collaborative regional options.
The 4th EAC Regional STI Conference will focus on six thematic areas associated to AI, together with agriculture, well being, schooling, and local weather resilience, aiming to promote regional growth and inclusive development in East Africa.
The occasion will function coverage dialogues, scientific classes, and a devoted Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Session, showcasing AI options from youth and women-led startups. Additionally, it goals to advance the EAC Regional Artificial Intelligence Strategy, emphasizing moral governance and collaboration.
A pre-conference Digital Leaders Forum will precede the primary occasion to tackle AI governance and infrastructure, with participation open to a variety of stakeholders. Researchers and innovators are inspired to submit proposals through the convention web site.
Additionally, the convention goals to advance the EAC Regional Artificial Intelligence Strategy, emphasising moral governance and collaboration. Researchers and innovators are inspired to submit proposals through the convention web site.
About EASTECO and IUCEA
The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) is an establishment of the East African Community mandated to coordinate, promote, and develop Science, Technology and Innovation in the area.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is a regional intergovernmental organisation accountable for coordinating the event of upper schooling and analysis amongst EAC Partner States.
Media Contacts
EASTECO Secretariat
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +250-7877068
Website: https://sti.easteco.org
IUCEA Secretariat
Email: This e-mail tackle is being shielded from spambots. You want JavaScript enabled to view it. or +256-766529641
Website: www.iucea.org
Tags: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)