Beyond Roads and Rails: Future of digital and green infrastructure in East Africa

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By Bishop Samuel

In the dynamic heart of East Africa, a transformative wave is quietly reshaping the region’s development narrative. The East African Community (EAC), which now includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Federal Republic of Somalia, is redefining infrastructure far beyond the conventional frameworks of roads and railways.

Today, the region’s blueprint for growth is being redrawn with digital connectivity and green innovation at its core. This convergence of technology and sustainability is not only reshaping national economies, it is also empowering citizens, stimulating cross-border collaboration, and laying the groundwork for an environmentally resilient future.

From e-governance platforms to climate-smart transport systems, the EAC is building a new kind of infrastructure: one that harnesses digital potential while honouring ecological responsibility.

The Digital Leap Forward

East Africa’s rapid urbanisation demands robust digital infrastructure. Mobile connectivity has surged, with Kenya’s M-Pesa revolutionising mobile money. Uganda launched its Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023–2028) to accelerate e-governance, broadband access, and digital literacy. Aligned with Digital Uganda Vision 2040, it aims to achieve 90% broadband coverage and 90% citizen access to e-services by 2027.

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, emphasises: 

“Digital infrastructure is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Every citizen, from Kampala to remote villages, must access modern economic tools.”

Experts like Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s former ICT Permanent Secretary, affirm digital integration could unlock productivity in agriculture, healthcare, and education, key sectors for regional development.

Green Infrastructure: A Sustainable Imperative

While digital networks connect minds, green infrastructure powers the future. Uganda leverages its hydroelectric potential through initiatives like the Global Gateway partnership with the European Union, mobilising billions for clean energy, rural electrification, and climate-resilient projects. 

Kadaga states:

“Green infrastructure is the spine of regional trade. We must build systems that connect economies while protecting our environment.” 

Projects like the Saaka Bridge and rural electrification in Pallisa and Kumi districts exemplify Uganda’s commitment to boosting trade, safety, and tourism through sustainable development. 

Challenges and Opportunities 

Progress faces hurdles: fragmented regulations, limited financing, and cybersecurity risks. The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), supported by the World Bank, aims to harmonize digital policies, reduce internet costs, and strengthen regional cybersecurity. 

Public-private partnerships offer solutions. Uganda’s collaboration with Huawei on the Digitruck Project has trained over 1,200 youth in digital skills. Kadaga praised it for "leaving no one behind." 

A Vision for Tomorrow 

The EAC envisions interconnected smart cities powered by clean energy and digital networks, a shift from concrete-and-steel infrastructure to human development enablers. Together, we can harness infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism to drive sustainable prosperity across East Africa. 

Conclusion 

The EAC is charting a bold course beyond roads and rails. By embracing digital and green infrastructure, the region builds resilience and sets a global precedent. Uganda, led by Rt. Hon. Kadaga stands at the forefront, proving that vision and collaboration can forge an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for East Africa. 

Supplemental Facts: East African Community Overview 

Uganda’s Green Leadership 

Uganda drives sustainable development through policies like its Green Growth Strategy and Vision 2040, advancing solar energy (e.g., Kampala’s streetlights), Makerere University’s TORCH project, and rural biogas initiatives.

Origins & Membership

The East African Community (EAC), originally founded in 1967 by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, endured a brief collapse in 1977 before its revival in 1999, an effort that came into force with the treaty of July 2000. Today, the EAC boasts a vibrant membership of eight nations: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Federal Republic of Somalia.

By 2024, the region is home to an estimated 343 million people, with a combined nominal GDP of nearly $350 billion. While average GDP per capita hovers just above $1,000, total trade across the bloc reached approximately $124.6 billion in 2023, with intra-EAC commerce accounting for about 15% a figure poised for growth as integration deepens.

Guided by Vision 2050, the EAC is steadily advancing toward its long-term goals: attaining upper-middle-income status, adopting a single currency and monetary union, and ensuring the free movement of goods, people, and capital. At the heart of this vision lies a commitment to digital connectivity, green infrastructure, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.

Looking ahead, the 7th EAC Development Strategy (2026–2031) affirms the region’s alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, signalling a shared commitment to resilience, equity, and regional unity in the post-COVID era.

The writer is Head Comms and Media Relations, MEACA-Uganda