BY GRACE MACHA IN ARUSHA
Internet is critical in driving the East African Community (EAC) bloc into a digital economy.
The region must, therefore, put in place a multi-sectoral approach that will ensure people in the region are empowered by the Internet.
This was the consensus of the just-ended East African Internet Forum Governance Forum (EA-IGF) that was held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The forum was organized by the East African Community (EAC) secretariat in collaboration with the Rwanda ministry of ICT.
Experts in attendance called on the ICT experts to take proactive steps towards ensuring that the Internet continues to be a force for positive change.
The forum was themed 'The Internet We Want - Empowering All People in East Africa' in line with the global drive for ICT.
"The Internet is critical in facilitating the region's vision of transforming into a digital economy", said Rwanda's ICT and Innovation ministry permanent secretary Mr Yves Iradukunda.
“To create the internet we want", he explained, "We must ensure that it is accessible to all and that it is not too expensive.
"We must therefore work towards ensuring access to the internet is affordable by taking advantage of the power of competition,” said Mr Iradukunda.
He further called on ICT stakeholders to develop locally relevant content and applications for diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, environment, agriculture, products that are useful to local communities, "if the region is to create the internet we want."
The seven nation EAC bloc, he pointed out, must push for development of global regulations that facilitate development of digital economies.
The desired Internet regulations and laws transcend national barriers and provide for a sustainable and safe digital sphere for all to use.
EAC Principal ICT Officer, Engineer Daniel Murenzi noted that in the rapidly evolving digital age, the internet has become "an indispensable part of our daily lives, transforming the way we communicate, work, trade and access information."
The Internet has brought about remarkable opportunities for economic growth, education, and social development worldwide, he pointed out.
The technology has as well empowered individuals, businesses, and governments, fostering innovation and driving progress.
Mr Murenzi added that the EAC was readying for the launch of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP).
This is a regional initiative that is set to transform and enhance the region's integration into the digital economy. It is set to revolutionize the way the region connects, trades and engages digitally.
The proposed launching of the project is in response to the discussions and recommendations of the preceding EA-IGF that was held before the recent one.
The project aligns with regional priorities, emphasizing the need to bridge the digital divide, reduce connectivity costs, and empower marginalized groups such as youth, persons with disabilities, and women.
The project development objective is to increase access to broadband and digital services and foster the development and integration of digital markets.
Speaking at the forum Rwanda minister of State in charge of the EAC Prof Nshuti Manasseh said the digital frameworks and platforms must not exclude anyone.
“As the continent we have missed many revolutions, we can not afford to miss the digital revolution,” he said, noting that the Internet is a necessity rather than a luxury.
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