More than 680 delegates expected as leaders gather to chart region’s artificial intelligence future
East Africa’s premier science and technology gathering will convene next week in Rwanda, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and innovators to address the growing role of artificial intelligence in the region’s development.
The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) will jointly host the 4th East African Community Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference from March 30 to April 1 at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Held under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Innovative East Africa,” the three-day conference marks the first edition of the biennial gathering to place AI at the center of its agenda.
Rwanda’s Minister for ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire is expected to open the conference, which will also draw the EAC Chair of the Council of Ministers, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, heads of EAC institutions, and donor representatives.
EASTECO Executive Secretary Dr. Sylvance Okoth framed the gathering as a pivotal moment for the region.
“This conference is not merely a gathering of experts it is a call to collective action,” Okoth said. “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.”
Organized biennially by EASTECO and IUCEA, the STI Conference series has established itself as the region’s leading platform for science-driven dialogue and policy development. This fourth edition is described by organizers as particularly significant, recognizing AI as a catalyst for achieving the ambitions of the EAC’s 7th Development Strategy.
IUCEA Acting Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Rai emphasized the role of higher education institutions in shaping how AI develops across the region.
“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,” Rai said. “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.”
More than 680 delegates are expected to attend in person, with additional participation through hybrid streaming. High-level delegations from all eight EAC Partner States will be represented, including heads of state representatives, ministers responsible for ICT and innovation, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society actors.
The programme will span plenary sessions, parallel paper presentations, ministerial dialogue, youth and women’s entrepreneurship showcases, partner side events, and an innovation exhibition.
