Regulation
EACO and Smart Africa collaborate to advance digital transformation
Details
Vaughan O’Grady
Category: Regulation
29 June 2026
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African_smartphone_users_group_600x450.jpg” alt=”EACO and Smart Africa collaborate to advance digital transformation”>The East African Communications Organisation (EACO) and the Smart Africa Secretariat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic collaboration in advancing the digital transformation and accelerating the realisation of a single digital market in Africa by 2030
The East African Communications Organisation (EACO) is a regional organisation that brings together various stakeholders to promote the development, harmonisation and transformation of the communications sector across East Africa through regional cooperation, policy coordination, capacity building and knowledge sharing
The Smart Africa Alliance is a commitment by African heads of state and government to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent through ICTs and digital transformation
The partnership thus brings together two leading regional institutions with complementary mandates to promote digital development, regional integration and inclusive socio-economic growth through information and communication technologies (ICTs)
The MoU provides a framework for collaboration in key priority areas, including digital infrastructure development, spectrum management, data governance, internet governance, broadband expansion, cross-border connectivity, digital public infrastructure and digital infrastructure financing. The partnership will also support initiatives related to free roaming across Africa, green data centres, artificial intelligence computing infrastructure, and capacity building for ICT stakeholders
The collaboration is expected to support the development of harmonised digital policies, to facilitate cross-border digital services and to strengthen institutional capacities, mobilise investment and enhance regional cooperation on emerging technologies across Africa
The agreement will remain in force for an initial period of 36 months and reflects what the organisations call a shared commitment to foster collaboration and support Africa’s digital transformation agenda. It establishes a framework for sustained cooperation through jointly implemented programmes, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships
