EACO and Smart Africa collaborate to advance digital transformation

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Regulation; 29 June 2026; 783 views

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).

By combining EACO’s regional policy and regulatory coordination role with Smart Africa’s continental digital transformation initiatives, the partnership aims to accelerate the implementation of impactful digital programmes across Africa.

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.