The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) has launched a joint Project Implementation Support Mission in Nairobi, bringing together the East African Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the World Bank.
The four-day mission, which began on September 2, 2025, is focused on assessing progress, addressing implementation challenges, and identifying joint activities that EAC and IGAD can undertake to accelerate digital integration across the region.
This collaborative initiative highlights the shared commitment of regional institutions and development partners to foster cross-border cooperation and unlock the immense potential of a connected digital economy in Eastern Africa.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD’s Representative in Kenya, underscored the urgency of enhancing digital connectivity to drive inclusive development, peace, and security in the region.
“Digital connectivity is overdue, we must connect ourselves to ensure sustainable service delivery, economic advancement, and improvements in our people’s lives,” she remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Dr. Michel Rogy, Regional Practice Director for Digital Development in Africa and the Middle East, emphasized that digital transformation is central to regional economic growth.
“Digital market integration is essential to reap the benefits of digitalization,” he said. Dr. Rogy reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the creation of a unified regional digital market, noting, “The goals of the project are ambitious, but with coordinated leadership and the continued partnership of development partners, they are within reach. Please count on the World Bank as a committed partner to help deliver on this vision.”
H.E. Mohamed Abdi Ware, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary, stressed the importance of strong coordination between IGAD and EAC to develop a harmonized regional digital infrastructure alongside coherent policies, regulations, and legal frameworks. He highlighted the broader scope of EARDIP, which includes strengthening regional ICT institutions and harmonizing cybersecurity, data governance, and digital trade policies—key pillars for socio-economic transformation and regional integration.
“This initiative will not only advance the digital economy but also address overlapping memberships between IGAD and EAC by fostering greater policy harmonisation and collaboration in line with IGAD’s Vision 2050,” said H.E. Ware.
Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, described EARDIP as a strategic program that connects Africa and enables the region to maximize the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “By investing in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and e-payments, EARDIP is laying the digital rails for the African Continental Free Trade Area and positioning our region as a hub for innovation and trade,” she said.
The Implementation Support Mission is designed to review progress since the project’s inception, assess key achievements, and provide technical guidance to tackle emerging challenges. It will evaluate whether implementation is aligned with the project’s goals and recommend adjustments to ensure timely, impactful results.
The mission also provides a platform to strengthen collaboration between EAC and IGAD teams while working closely with the World Bank. Through harmonized approaches, enhanced institutional capacity, and shared technical expertise, the mission aims to ensure that the project continues to deliver value to the region.
Ultimately, EARDIP seeks to establish a single regional digital market in Eastern Africa by improving cross-border connectivity, harmonizing policies and regulations, and enabling innovative digital services. By doing so, it will unlock new opportunities for trade, economic growth, and social inclusion—bringing the region closer to a digitally connected future where no one is left behind.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com or oningaam@gmail.com / +254733780240.
