In Juba, South Sudan, the 1st Advisory Council and 30th General Assemblies under EACO were launched, with over 250 regional stakeholders convened under the theme, "Shaping the Future of the East African Region through Digital Transformation." The high-level event on 9-13 June 2025 was hosted by the National Communication Authority (NCA).

This landmark congregating marks a significant milestone for EACO, as it signals the inauguration of the Advisory Council meeting-a forum consisting of Members and Partners that meet once every two years to adopt and coordinate recommendations from the different Assemblies. Together with the Advisory Council, the four annual Assemblies of EACO-i.e., Regulators, Postal Operators, Telecommunications Operators, and Broadcasting Operators-have also convened in Juba for discussions concerning the regional ICT landscape.

Bengt Mölleryd from SPIDER gives a keynote address about cyber security in an era of AI at the EACO Advisory Council

Digital transformation and inclusive growth in focus

Panelists pose for a group photo following the digital transformation session

Day 1 focused on digital transformation as a critical dimension towards unlocking East African socio-economic development potential. Loads of thematic sessions were debated, including the following topics:

  • ICT infrastructure development and regional connectivity
  • Infrastructure sharing for cost efficiency
  • Digital inclusion strategies for the unserved
  • E-waste management and green ICT solutions

Welcome remarks from mr Gieth Kon, Director General NCA

South Sudan hosting the Assemblies enhances NCA's regional leadership in telecommunications matters and projects to establish a digital hub.

"When we deliberate over the coming days, let us remain aware that the policies, recommendations, and standards we adopt here will ultimately touch many lives," stated Mr Gieth Mathiang Kon, Director General of NCA, during the opening day.

Regional Leaders Join Forces to Frame ICT Policy

Day Two was marked by the official inauguration of the General Assemblies, drawing together regulatory and operational stakeholders from across East Africa. The arrival of Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance from Uganda was warmly welcomed by top officials from the host country. The participation of such senior policymakers surely demonstrates a shared commitment to the region harmonising its ICT policy and regulatory framework with regional priorities and the African Union’s digital transformation agenda.

Bengt Mölleryd from SPIDER with Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda

The Interface for Collaboration and Regional Integration

EACO remains firmly positioned in coordinating the regional space for inclusive and sustainable growth through digital transformation. These instruments- the Advisory Council and General Assembly- pave the way for peer learning, policy alignment, and institutional collaboration enhancement among the telecommunications sector of East Africa.

As a participant in iPRIS, EACO plays a pivotal role in assisting national national regulatory authorities (NRAs) as they strive to implement their change initiatives in their respective countries.

 

For more updates from the EACO 1st Advisory Council and 30th General Assemblies, follow the official proceedings here

For more information on the role of Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs) like EACO in iPRIS, click here

 

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR).

iPRIS is funded by the European Union, Sweden, and Luxembourg as part of the Team Europe Initiative “D4D for Digital Economy and Society in Sub-Saharan Africa” (Code: 001).