EASTECO and IUCEA to Host 4th Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Kigali, Rwanda
East African Science and Technology Commission, Kigali, Rwanda, 28th January, 2026: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), will convene the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference from 4th to 6th March 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Innovative East Africa at Kigali Convention Centre. The Regional Conference shall bring together high-level policymakers, researchers, innovators, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society, and youth from across the region and beyond.
The 4th EAC Regional STI Conference will be the first in the history of the East African Community (EAC) to focus entirely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a cross-cutting driver of regional development, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. It aims to position East Africa at the forefront of responsible, people-centred, and development-oriented AI adoption in line with regional and continental priorities.
The Conference is strategically aligned with key continental and regional frameworks, including: The African Union Agenda 2063, The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034), The AU Continental AI Strategy (2024) and The EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2023–2033). These frameworks emphasize digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive development as critical pillars for Africa’s long-term socio-economic transformation.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming economies and societies worldwide, with significant potential to accelerate progress in agriculture, health, education, climate action, industrialisation, financial inclusion, and public service delivery.
Despite growing global momentum on AI, East Africa continues to face challenges including limited technical capacity, fragmented AI infrastructure, low investment in AI research, and gaps in coordinated governance and regulatory frameworks. The Conference will therefore serve as a timely and strategic platform to address these gaps and catalyse collaborative regional solutions.
The 4th EAC Regional STI Conference will focus on six thematic areas related to AI, including agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience, aiming to promote regional development and inclusive growth in East Africa.
The event will feature policy dialogues, scientific sessions, and a dedicated Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Session, showcasing AI solutions from youth and women-led startups. Additionally, it aims to advance the EAC Regional Artificial Intelligence Strategy, emphasizing ethical governance and collaboration.
A pre-conference Digital Leaders Forum will precede the main event to address AI governance and infrastructure, with participation open to a wide range of stakeholders. Researchers and innovators are encouraged to submit proposals via the conference website.
Additionally, the conference aims to advance the EAC Regional Artificial Intelligence Strategy, emphasising ethical governance and collaboration. Researchers and innovators are encouraged to submit proposals via the conference website.
About EASTECO and IUCEA
The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) is an institution of the East African Community mandated to coordinate, promote, and develop Science, Technology and Innovation in the region.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is a regional intergovernmental organisation responsible for coordinating the development of higher education and research among EAC Partner States.
Media Contacts
EASTECO Secretariat
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +250-7877068
Website: https://sti.easteco.org
IUCEA Secretariat
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +256-766529641
Website: www.iucea.org
Tags: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)