By MKT Reporter
The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in partnership with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), will jointly host the 4th East African Community (EAC) Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference from Monday to Wednesday next week at the Kigali Convention Centre.
To be held under the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Innovative East Africa” this landmark gathering comes at a defining moment in the region’s technological evolution. It will convene East Africa’s leading thinkers, innovators, and policymakers in artificial intelligence to move beyond aspiration toward coordinated, impactful action.
The conference will be opened by Rwanda’s Minister for ICT and Innovation Ms. Paula Ingabire.
Other notable dignitaries expected to attend include the Chair of the Council of Ministers of the EAC, its Secretary General and heads of participating Institutions, and donor representatives.
“This conference is not merely a gathering of experts — it is a call to collective action. East Africa stands at a defining crossroads, and how we choose to harness Artificial Intelligence in the coming years will determine the prosperity and resilience of our region for generations to come,” said Dr. Sylvance Okoth, the Executive Secretary of EASTECO.
Organised biennially by EASTECO and IUCEA, the STI Conference series has firmly established itself as the region’s premier platform for science-driven dialogue, strategic collaboration, and policy advancement.
This fourth edition is particularly significant as the first to place Artificial Intelligence at its core—recognising it not only as the defining technology of our time, but also as a powerful catalyst for achieving the ambitions of the EAC’s 7th Development Strategy.
“The university and research community across East Africa has a defining role to play in shaping an AI-driven future that is equitable, evidence-based, and grounded in the realities of our region,” said IUCEA Acting Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Rai. “This conference marks an important step in strengthening the capacity of our institutions to drive this transformation and to position higher education as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth in East Africa.”
The conference will bring together high-level delegations, including Heads of State representatives, Ministers responsible for ICT and Innovation, distinguished researchers, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society actors from all eight EAC Partner States. Through this inclusive and forward-looking platform, the conference aims to foster meaningful partnerships, align regional priorities, and accelerate the responsible adoption of AI for sustainable development across East Africa.
Across three days, the conference will deliver an intensive programme of plenary sessions, parallel paper presentations, ministerial dialogue, youth and women’s entrepreneurship showcases, partner side events, and an innovation exhibition. More than 680 delegates are expected to participate in person, with additional participation through hybrid streaming.
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