{"id":27672,"date":"2024-07-01T11:01:34","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T11:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ipris.digital\/?p=27672"},"modified":"2024-07-31T07:42:18","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T07:42:18","slug":"eaco-29th-annual-assemblies-extra-ordinary-congress-reflects-on-east-africas-ict-landscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipris.digital\/mystaging03\/eaco-29th-annual-assemblies-extra-ordinary-congress-reflects-on-east-africas-ict-landscape\/","title":{"rendered":"EACO 29th Annual Assemblies & Extra-Ordinary Congress reflects on East Africa\u2019s ICT landscape"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"section\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row admin_label=\"row\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]Hosted by the<\/span> Communications Authority of Kenya<\/span><\/a> (CA), the 29th Annual Assemblies & Extra-Ordinary Congress provided a unique platform for East Africa Communication Organizations<\/span> (EACO)<\/span><\/a> members and stakeholders to interact, network, exchange experiences, and share insights under the theme \"Promoting Digital Transformation in the EAC Region.\" Delegates to the event included policymakers, legislators, regulators, ICT sector operators\/service providers, academia, and ICT consumers from across the East African region.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opening Session<\/b><\/p>\n

In his keynote address, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication & Digital Economy in the Cabinet of Kenya,<\/span> Eliud Owalo<\/span><\/a>, drew relevant case studies from Kenya's successes in advancing the ICT ecosystem. He cited the investments made in infrastructure development that have seen the setting up of over 2,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, which have deepened affordable access to the mobile internet. He said these were geared towards creating digital marketplaces and boosting connectivity to traders and entrepreneurs, particularly the youth and women, to gain full employment within the digital ecosystem. He also highlighted the successful digitalization of at least 80 per cent (17,017) of public services.<\/span><\/p>\n

Owalo lauded the East Africa Communications Organization (EACO) for its incredible efforts in advocating for the harmonization of legal and regulatory regimes in the region, saying they are instrumental in realizing digital transformation and providing a united approach to leveraging the full benefits of the region's digital economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

He added that the success of the One Network area would facilitate increased interaction and e-commerce in the region. At the same time, he called for further collaboration in areas such as cyber security, SIM card registration, standardization of ICT equipment and services in the region, e-waste and green ICTs, which remain critical in catalyzing our attainment of digital transformation goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing the session, the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA),<\/span> David Mugonyi<\/span><\/a>, noted that by March 20024, the country had 132 per cent mobile penetration, 51.2 million Internet subscribers, and 38.6 million mobile money users. Smartphone penetration, he said, stood at 67 per cent even as the authority strives to keep average access charges for services such as mobile voice, data, and internet affordable for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

He added that the regulator was committed to ensuring 100 per cent 3G and 4G population coverage in Kenya. The deployment of 5G technology will present new opportunities for all sectors of the economy. Mugonyi said the Communications Authority had implemented a regulatory sandbox to allow for the controlled use of emerging innovations and testing of new ideas before deployment to the market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

EACO utilized the opening session to unveil<\/span> The 2023 EACO Communications Sector Regional Report.<\/span><\/a> \u00a0EACO Executive Secretary Dr. Ally Simba said the extent of coverage of basic mobile connectivity has been influenced by factors such as infrastructure, investment, and regulatory environments.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the report, the region has witnessed remarkable advancements in network coverage, a surge in mobile and internet subscriptions, and notable growth in mobile money services with Internet traffic at 54 per cent, with population penetration coverage of 2G averaging 92 per cent, 3G at 78 percent, and 4G averaging 62 per cent. Mobile internet subscriptions stand at 61 percent penetration with 122.3 million subscribers.<\/span><\/p>\n

These advancements have been influenced by infrastructure, investment, and regulatory environments and have been pivotal in driving socio-economic growth, fostering digital inclusion, and enhancing connectivity across East Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Session 1: High Level Roundtable Discussion on The Role of ICT in <\/b>Promoting Digital Transformation in the East African Region<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Bengt G M\u00f6lleryd- Senior analyst,<\/span><\/i> Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions SPIDER<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Bengt Molleryd<\/span><\/a> from<\/span> SPIDER<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 (Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions) delivered a compelling opening presentation titled The Steps Towards Digital Transformation in the East African Region. He underscored the critical role of policy and regulatory frameworks in driving digital transformation and positioning the region to compete globally.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his presentation, he shared some key insights that are critical to the region's attainment of global standards in regulation and technical capacity development. His submissions provided a roadmap for promoting digital transformation in East Africa through strategic policy and regulatory reforms. By addressing infrastructure, affordability, literacy, and regional cooperation, the region can unlock its digital potential and compete globally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a summary of Bengt's insights:<\/span><\/p>\n