NAIROBI, September 5, 2025 — The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project [EARDIP] kicked off a joint project implementation support mission in Nairobi, bringing together the East African Community [EAC], the Intergovernmental Authority on Development [IGAD], and the World Bank.
The four-day mission, which started on September 2, aims to assess project progress, address implementation challenges, and identify activities that can be undertaken jointly by the two Regional Economic Communities, EAC and IGAD.
This joint effort underscores the commitment of the regional institutions and development partners to accelerate digital integration, foster cross-border cooperation, and unlock the benefits of a connected digital economy across Eastern Africa.
Fatuma Adan, IGAD Representative in Kenya, welcomed participants to the workshop and emphasised the urgency of the region’s digital connectivity for inclusive development, peace, and security. “Digital connectivity is overdue, we must connect ourselves to ensure sustainable service delivery, economic advancement, and improvements in our people’s lives,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Michel Rogy, Regional Practice Director, Digital Development, Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the centrality of digital transformation to regional growth. “Digital market integration is essential to reap the benefits of digitalisation,” he said.
Rogy underscored the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the creation of a regional single digital market. “The goals of the project are ambitious, but with coordinated leadership and the continued partnership of development partners, they are within reach. Please count on the World Bank as a committed partner to help deliver on this vision,” he added.
Mohamed Abdi Ware, Deputy Executive Secretary, IGAD noted that strong coordination between IGAD and EAC remains essential for developing a harmonised regional digital infrastructure, policy, regulatory, and legal framework.
He further noted that in addition to enhancing cross-border digital connectivity, harmonising cybersecurity and data governance, promoting digital trade, EARDIP is also strengthening regional ICT institutions; all critical pillars for socio-economic transformation and integration.
“This initiative will not only advance the digital economy but also address overlapping memberships between IGAD and EAC by fostering greater policy harmonisation and collaboration in line with IGAD’s Vision 2050,” said Ware.
On her part, Annette Ssemuwemba, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, reiterated that EARDIP is a strategic programme that connects Africa and serves as a critical enabler of regional trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“By investing in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and e-payments, EARDIP is laying the digital rails for the African Continental Free Trade Area and positioning our region as a hub for innovation and trade,” she said.
The Implementation Support Mission is designed to take stock of progress made since the project’s inception, review key achievements, and provide guidance to address emerging challenges. This includes assessing how well implementation has aligned with project goals and identifying areas where adjustments are needed to ensure timely and impactful delivery.
The mission also serves as an opportunity to strengthen coordination and collaboration across the EAC and IGAD project teams, while working closely with the World Bank.
By enhancing institutional capacity, harmonising approaches, and sharing technical expertise, the mission seeks to ensure that the project continues to deliver value to the region.
Ultimately, EARDIP aims to establish a single regional digital market in Eastern Africa by improving cross-border connectivity, harmonising policies and regulations, and enabling innovative digital services. By doing so, the project will unlock new opportunities for trade, economic growth, and social inclusion thereby bringing the region closer to a digitally connected future where no one is left behind.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
