The East African Community (EAC) has validated a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy for the period 2026 to 2031.
A common framework is required for the responsible, inclusive, and ethical development and governance of AI across East Africa, says Fortunate Muyambi, deputy executive secretary of the East African Science and Technology Commission.
The regional platform allows member states to review how the technology is deployed.
The strategy comes amid growing continental momentum to harness AI for development while addressing risks such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, job displacement, and digital inequality.
Muyambi says the proposed strategy is designed to complement the EAC digital transformation agenda and it aligns with the African Union Continental AI Strategy (2024), EAC Vision 2050, and the EAC Science, Technology, and Innovation policy.
According to Muyambi, the process signifies a shift from technical drafting to collective regional ownership, reaffirming East Africa's determination to position itself as a coordinated and competitive participant in the global AI landscape.
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