EAC adopts regional AI strategy, approves university training module

The East African Community (EAC) is moving towards a coordinated approach to artificial intelligence, with ministers approving regional strategies and plans to introduce basic AI training in undergraduate university programmes.

The decisions were made during the 21st Sectoral Council on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Sports, which took place from October 27 to 31 at the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) headquarters in Kampala, Uganda.

The Council endorsed regional strategies on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, as well as a Biotechnology Strategy. It also approved plans to develop certification benchmarks for the use of artificial intelligence in Kiswahili.

The measures are intended to expand the application of emerging technologies in key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, industry and public service delivery.

Under the proposed university programme, students from different academic disciplines will receive foundational training in AI, covering basic knowledge, practical applications and responsible use.

The ministers urged EAC Partner States to consider integrating the module into their undergraduate programmes. IUCEA was assigned to prepare a regional framework to guide its implementation.

The Council also approved the establishment of a Regional Artificial Intelligence Network of Universities to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation and AI education.

Three additional instruments aimed at integrating AI into teacher education were endorsed. They address curriculum and competencies, institutional policies and professional conduct.

Speaking at the ministerial session, EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Arik Malueth said education systems needed to prepare young people for employment and the changing demands of the labour market.

She urged ministers to ensure that decisions taken at the meeting included clear responsibilities, realistic timelines and the resources needed for implementation.

The Council also adopted the EAC Kiswahili Language Policy for submission to the Council of Ministers, alongside proposals to improve national coordination, training and youth-led digital resources.

Regional qualifications and professional mobility

In another decision, ministers approved the EAC Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Qualifications Framework, which is expected to improve comparability and recognition of technical qualifications across member states.

Partner States were directed to align their national policies with the regional framework, while the EAC Secretariat will prepare guidelines for its implementation.

The Council also called for faster alignment of Mutual Recognition Agreements for engineers, architects, accountants and veterinarians with Annex VII of the Common Market Protocol.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Education and Sports responsible for Primary Education, Phyllis Chemutai, who chaired the meeting, said regional cooperation was necessary to remove barriers to professional mobility while maintaining quality standards.

She said Uganda would review its laws, regulations and policies to support implementation of the agreements.

The ministers also expressed concern that some public and private universities continue to charge students from other EAC Partner States higher tuition fees than local students.

The practice persists despite an earlier regional decision requiring equal treatment and payment of fees in the host country’s local currency.

IUCEA and national higher education regulators will assess compliance, with their findings expected to be presented at the 23rd Sectoral Council.

Kenya to host JAMAFEST in 2027

On culture and sports, Kenya confirmed that it will host the sixth East African Community Arts and Culture Festival, known as JAMAFEST, in Nairobi in February 2027.

The proposed theme will focus on the role of artificial intelligence and digital technology in preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism.

The Council approved the festival’s theme and implementation roadmap and directed the EAC Secretariat to prepare a three-year calendar of major regional events.

Ministers also considered a proposed framework for the region’s participation in Pamoja AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The plan seeks to use the continental football tournament to promote cultural exchanges, tourism, business exhibitions, youth participation and volunteering across the three host countries.

Chemutai called on Partner States to accelerate preparations for the Pamoja Visa to ease movement among the host countries during the tournament.

The Secretariat was directed to bring together technical experts from member states to review the draft concept on EAC participation by November 2026.

Funding concerns raised

Malueth cautioned that limited financial and institutional capacity could slow the implementation of the regional programmes.

She called on Partner States to increase domestic funding and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to ensure the approved strategies translate into practical results.

The meeting acknowledged support from development partners, including Germany, the European Union and the World Bank, through initiatives such as the EAC AI Alliance.

The five-day meeting was the first EAC organ session held at IUCEA’s newly completed headquarters in Kampala. The facility was officially inaugurated following the ministerial session.

IUCEA Acting Executive Secretary Professor Idris Rai described the headquarters as a regional platform for dialogue and cooperation in higher education, research and innovation.