Africa’s push toward a unified digital economy gained fresh momentum this week as the East African Communications Organisation (EACO) and the Smart Africa Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital transformation and advancing the vision of a Single Digital Market across the continent by 2030.
The agreement, signed in Kigali, Rwanda, establishes a strategic framework for collaboration between the two institutions, combining EACO’s expertise in regional ICT policy coordination with Smart Africa’s continent-wide digital transformation agenda. The partnership is expected to strengthen regional integration, improve digital connectivity, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth through technology.
Under the MoU, both organizations will work together on several key priorities, including digital infrastructure development, broadband expansion, spectrum management, data governance, internet governance, digital public infrastructure, and cross-border connectivity. The collaboration will also focus on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence computing infrastructure, green data centres, free roaming services, and capacity building for ICT stakeholders across Africa.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, EACO Executive Director Caroline Koech described the partnership as a significant step toward building a more connected and resilient digital future for Africa. She noted that stronger policy harmonization, increased investment in digital infrastructure, and deeper regional cooperation would be critical to achieving a seamless African digital economy.
Smart Africa Director General and CEO Lacina Koné emphasized the importance of regional organizations in translating continental digital ambitions into practical implementation. According to him, partnerships such as this are essential for delivering tangible benefits to citizens, businesses, and governments while accelerating digital transformation across the continent.
The agreement comes at a time when Africa is intensifying efforts to create a unified digital market capable of facilitating cross-border trade, attracting investment, improving access to technology, and enhancing economic competitiveness. Experts believe that harmonized digital policies and interoperable digital systems will play a crucial role in reducing barriers to digital commerce and strengthening regional integration.
The partnership will remain in force for an initial period of 36 months and is expected to support the development of joint programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, institutional capacity-building projects, and strategic partnerships aimed at driving Africa’s digital future.
As African governments increasingly prioritize digital transformation as a driver of economic development, the EACO–Smart Africa partnership represents another important step toward building a connected continent where digital technologies can unlock innovation, improve public services, and create new opportunities for millions of people.
