East African Community places universities at centre of regional AI strategy
The East African Community adopts an AI strategy focusing on universities to boost AI skills, research and Kiswahili AI standards across member states.
The East African Community (EAC) has adopted a regional artificial intelligence strategy that centres universities in developing AI skills, research and innovation across its member states. The strategy includes introducing a foundational AI education module across undergraduate disciplines and establishing a regional network of universities.
Ministers responsible for education, science, technology, culture and sports adopted the AI strategy alongside the bloc's Digital Transformation and Biotechnology Strategies during the 21st Sectoral Council meeting in Kampala, Uganda, held from 27 to 31 October 2026. The EAC Secretariat developed these strategies with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) to provide a common framework for technology development in sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, industry and public administration.
The ministers approved an AI Foundational Module for Higher Education Institutions to provide essential AI knowledge and practical skills to all undergraduate students. The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) will develop a regional implementation framework for the module's rollout. Universities in the Regional AI Network demonstrating readiness will pilot the curriculum to assess delivery methods, lecturer preparedness and student engagement.
The Council also endorsed the establishment of the Regional Artificial Intelligence Network of Universities to strengthen collaboration in AI education, research and innovation. Additionally, regional instruments for teacher education were approved, covering curriculum, institutional policy and codes of conduct to support AI adoption in higher education.
The strategy recognises the importance of Kiswahili in the region's digital economy by planning AI certification benchmarks for the language. The East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) is working to enhance Kiswahili's use as an official Community language. These benchmarks aim to assess AI systems operating in Kiswahili, though they are not yet operational.
Here&#x’;s our concern: while the EAC&#x’;s focus on universities and the new AI Foundational Module is a step forward, we need clarity on how this will reach students with limited access to technology and reliable power. With financial constraints and the need for realistic timelines, we must ask how member states plan to ensure the module works on mid-range devices and in local languages like Kiswahili, beyond just certification benchmarks.
The strategy addresses regional gaps in youth AI preparedness, with the Ayre Index ranking EAC countries below the benchmark for AI readiness. The common module aims to establish a baseline of AI knowledge among graduates, while the university network supports relevant research and applications.
Implementation challenges remain, including financial and resource constraints. The EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Ariik Malueth urged clear identification of responsible institutions, realistic timelines and adequate resources. The IUCEA must finalise the implementation framework, and member states need to integrate the module into degree programmes.
The EAC's adoption contrasts with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which is still validating its regional AI strategy and regulatory framework. The EAC now moves to translate ministerial decisions into university programmes, research collaboration and language standards.
Sources
Source: TechTrends Kenya
