THE East African Community (EAC) has taken a major step toward regional digital transformation with the convening of the regional E-Commerce Engagement Platform (EEP) in Kampala, Uganda, from May 8–9.

The two-day meeting focused on validating the Action Plan for Harmonisation of E-Transaction Legislations and updating the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tool to track the rollout of the EAC E-commerce strategy.

Adopted on July 12, 2022, the strategy serves as a blueprint to create a vibrant, secure, and inclusive e-commerce environment across the region. At its core is the ambition to establish a single digital market, enabling seamless cross-border transactions for businesses and consumers alike.

The harmonised legal framework advanced through the validated Action Plan aims to reduce regulatory friction, enhance trust, and increase compliance in digital transactions. This is expected to improve legal certainty across partner states, facilitating smoother and more secure trade in the digital space.

Key beneficiaries of the strategy include Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by youth and women. By aligning national e-commerce laws and streamlining digital processes, the initiative aims to expand market access and drive inclusive growth.

“The implementation of the strategy will not only reduce transaction costs and improve trade efficiency but also make the region more attractive to investors by fostering a stable and innovation-friendly digital business environment,” said Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs.

According to Ssemuwemba, the strategy is poised to generate broader economic benefits, including job creation, new revenue streams, and enhanced regional competitiveness in the global digital marketplace.

The Kampala meeting, supported by the German development agency GIZ, marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Regional E-Commerce Engagement Platform (EEP). The EEP brings together public and private sector stakeholders from all partner states to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the strategy.

By institutionalising the EEP, the EAC has created a structured mechanism for aligning national initiatives, driving consistency in policy execution, and monitoring regional progress.

In addition to validating the Action Plan, the meeting finalized the EAC E-Commerce Strategy Monitoring and Evaluation Tool. The M&E Tool will allow real-time tracking of implementation milestones across Partner States and ensure accountability.

Supporting these efforts is the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP)—a flagship initiative designed to deepen digital integration and unlock the potential of digital trade in the region.

“EARDIP acts as an enabler of the E-Commerce Strategy by building the digital rails on which secure, scalable, and interoperable e-commerce will run,” Ssemuwemba noted. “The project brings the infrastructure, legal harmonisation, and capacity support that Partner States need to make e-commerce a reality for all citizens and businesses.”

EARDIP is expected to play a pivotal role by addressing key enablers of a thriving digital economy. The project focuses on building robust digital infrastructure for high-speed regional connectivity and strengthening cybersecurity and data protection frameworks to foster trust in digital transactions.

Further, EARDIP will support the rollout of cross-border digital services, including interoperable payment systems, and invest in institutional strengthening and capacity building. These efforts aim to equip partner states with the skills, systems, and regulatory tools needed to implement and sustain e-commerce reforms at scale.

By laying the foundations for a unified digital market, the EAC is positioning itself as a leader in regional digital integration, with the potential to boost trade, innovation, and economic inclusivity across East Africa.