The East African Community (EAC) has taken a major step in empowering young innovators, rewarding them for using technology to tackle regional challenges and boosting their capacity to deliver impactful solutions.
Through the EAC Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and development partners, financial awards were given to innovators from EAC member states.
Top winners received USD 10,000 each, while others were awarded USD 1,400. The awards were presented during the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said the innovations, powered by technology, are already addressing challenges in education, agriculture, environmental protection, health, and transportation.
She urged member states to continue supporting young innovators and encourage participation in innovation initiatives, especially through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
At the conference, participants adopted 15 resolutions to strengthen AI adoption across the region. The resolutions aim to ensure AI opportunities are fully harnessed to improve service delivery, regional integration, and economic growth.
Among the resolutions are strengthening national AI policies and strategies, building AI skills, establishing a regional center of excellence for emerging technologies, creating a regional AI research fund, developing skilled human resources, and improving shared AI infrastructure and data management systems.
Other measures include creating a Regional Digital Leaders Forum, nurturing innovation talent, and promoting ethical AI use.
The three-day conference, held from March 30 to April 1, 2026, highlighted East Africa’s commitment to innovation and technology as key drivers for sustainable development.
