EAC pushes digital single market
ARUSHA: THE East African Community (EAC) has urged partner states to accelerate the implementation of the Digital Single Market, saying seamless digital systems will boost regional trade, lower transaction costs and improve service delivery for over 330 million people.
Speaking at the opening of the Digital for Development (D4D) Forum 2026 in Arusha, EAC Head of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, said the regional bloc has already laid the groundwork for a Digital Single Market through initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Strategy, the E-Commerce Strategy and the Cross Border Mobile Payment Master Plan.
She said the focus must now shift from policy formulation to implementation to unlock the full benefits of digital integration, including faster cross border payments, expanded market access and improved delivery of public services across member states.
According to Ssemuwemba, interoperable digital systems will enable small-scale traders to make faster payments through mobile wallets, reduce foreign exchange costs and eliminate transaction delays, thereby enhancing trade and easing cross-border business activities.
She noted that Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach 180 billion US dollars by 2025 and grow to 712 billion US dollars by 2050, presenting vast opportunities for the East African region.
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Despite the progress, challenges remain, including differences in legal and regulatory frameworks, limited interoperability among digital systems, cyber security threats and the digital access gap.
She added that the cost of sending money within and outside the region remains high, averaging nearly nine per cent of the amount transferred three times the global target of three per cent.
Ssemuwemba commended the European Union (EU) for supporting the region’s digital agenda through the EU Digital Partnership (ESEU DIP) programme, which promotes digital transformation, e-commerce, cross-border payments, e-government services and cyber security.
“We have no choice but to move with digital transformation. We do not want to be left behind, and our success will be measured by tangible results that benefit East Africans,” she said.
