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| EAC community has agreed to promote AI and technology among youth, featuring financial awards and strategic resolutions to enhance regional innovation and integration. |
The East African Community (EAC), through its Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and development partners, has provided financial incentives to innovative youth as a means to recognize their contributions in addressing various challenges facing society through technology, while also motivating them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.Innovators from the EAC member states have received a total of $10,000 for the top winners, while others have each been awarded $1,400. These prizes were presented at the Fourth East African Community Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference, organized by EASTECO and held in Kigali, Rwanda.
During the closing ceremony of the conference, Rwanda's Minister of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire, stated that the innovative works of these young people, enabled by technology, have contributed to solving challenges in various sectors, including education, agriculture, environmental conservation, health, and transportation. She also urged Member States to continue supporting the youth and encouraging their participation in innovative activities, particularly through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
To continue promoting the use of AI within the Community, the conference adopted 15 resolutions aimed at ensuring that opportunities arising from AI are utilized effectively, to enhance integration and improve service delivery to citizens while boosting the economy.
Among these resolutions are the improvement of policies, systems, and national strategies for AI; strengthening AI skills within the Community; establishing and enhancing a Regional Centre of Excellence for Emerging Technologies; creating a Regional AI Technology Fund for research; preparing a skilled workforce in AI technology; and developing shared regional infrastructure.
Among these resolutions are the enhancement of policies, systems, and national strategies for AI; strengthening AI skills within the Community; establishing and reinforcing the Regional Center of Excellence for Emerging Technologies; creating a Regional AI Technology Fund for research; preparing a skilled workforce in AI technology; developing a collaborative regional AI infrastructure; and implementing data management systems alongside shared infrastructure.Other resolutions include the establishment of a Regional Digital Leaders Platform that will bring together various stakeholders to coordinate national efforts and regional priorities regarding AI and digital issues; fostering creative talents; and promoting ethics in the innovation and application of AI to stimulate economic growth and inclusive development.