The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), will host the 4th East African Community (EAC) Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Conference from 4th to 6th March 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. Under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Innovative East Africa,” the conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, innovators, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society, and youth from across the region and beyond. This will be the first EAC regional STI conference to focus exclusively on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driver of digital transformation, inclusive growth, and regional development.
The conference aligns with continental and regional frameworks, including 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), which emphasize digital innovation, AI adoption, and inclusive socio-economic transformation. With AI rapidly reshaping economies and societies worldwide, the conference will explore its potential to accelerate progress in agriculture, health, education, climate resilience, industrialization, financial inclusion, and public service delivery, while addressing East Africa’s challenges such as limited technical capacity, fragmented infrastructure, low investment in research, and gaps in governance and regulatory frameworks.
The 4th EAC Regional STI Conference will focus on six thematic areas, including agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience, promoting regional development and inclusive growth. The event will feature policy dialogues, scientific sessions, and a dedicated Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Session to showcase AI solutions from youth- and women-led startups. A pre-conference Digital Leaders Forum will address AI governance and infrastructure, providing a platform for regional stakeholders to collaborate. Researchers and innovators are encouraged to submit proposals to contribute to the advancement of the EAC Regional Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which emphasizes ethical governance, inclusive collaboration, and responsible AI adoption.
EASTECO, an institution of the EAC, coordinates and promotes science, technology, and innovation across the region, while IUCEA is a regional intergovernmental organization responsible for developing higher education and research among EAC Partner States, ensuring that the conference supports both policy development and practical innovation in East Africa.
