Digitalisation and Technological Sovereignty
East Africa’s digital economy is growing at remarkable speed. With over 70% of the population now connected, the region is unlocking new levels of innovation, productivity, and cross-border collaboration. A vibrant ecosystem of fintechs, start-ups, and digital platforms is emerging, offering homegrown solutions tailored to local needs and realities.
This acceleration presents a unique opportunity: to develop digital infrastructure that is not only widely accessible, but also **sovereign, inclusive, and strategically anchored**. In a context where global tech dynamics are increasingly competitive and fragmented, strengthening technological sovereignty has become both an economic imperative and a political priority.
By asserting control over data, platforms, and standards, East African nations can shape a digital future aligned with their own values and development trajectories. Kenya, already a regional leader in this space, has a pivotal role to play in driving this momentum forward.
What strategies can the region adopt to lead its own digital transformation?
How can forward-looking policies, catalytic investments, and regional partnerships help scale locally driven innovation?
This roundtable will bring together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and development partners to identify practical pathways to a resilient, autonomous, and inclusive digital future for East Africa.