A three-day regional forum that brings together 400+ citizens, civil society actors, policymakers and private sector leaders to harness technology, inclusion and innovation for deeper East African integration. (29 Sept–1 Oct 2025, Nairobi)
Overview
The East Africa Citizen Summit 2025 — organized by the East African Civil Society Organizations' Forum (EACSOF) — is a high-level, citizen-centred forum aimed at strengthening citizen participation in the East African Community (EAC) integration process. Under the theme “Harnessing EAC Citizens' Potential and Participation in Regional Integration Processes” and the sub-theme “Innovating for Regional Integration: Advancing Governance, Economic Growth, and Social Inclusion in the Digital Age,” the Summit will combine plenaries, panel discussions, hands-on workshops and breakout sessions to produce practical, citizen-led recommendations for the region.
Why this summit matters
The EAC region is experiencing rapid digital and economic change — but big gaps remain. The Concept Note highlights key challenges such as differences in internet penetration across member states, unaffordable mobile internet costs, limited digital inclusion for women, youth and rural communities, and a lack of comprehensive data protection across many countries. These gaps constrain citizen participation in regional policymaking and limit the benefits of technology for governance, trade and agriculture. The Summit is designed to turn these challenges into actionable solutions by bringing citizens directly into dialogue with policymakers and other stakeholders.
Summit goal and objectives
Overall goal: Strengthen citizen participation and multi-stakeholder collaboration in regional integration by leveraging technology and innovation to improve governance, inclusivity and sustainable development.
Specific objectives
Strengthen citizen participation and inclusion (with emphasis on youth, women and persons with disabilities).
Harness technology and innovation to address regional challenges (trade, governance, agriculture, social services) while addressing digital exclusion, data privacy and algorithmic bias.
Foster multi-stakeholder partnerships (governments, CSOs, private sector, academia, media, development partners) to generate actionable strategies for equitable growth and environmental sustainability.
Expected outcomes
A comprehensive, citizen-led communiqué with actionable recommendations for the EAC integration agenda.
Strengthened cross-sector partnerships that can take forward pilot initiatives and policy reforms.
Improved awareness and capacity on digital tools for governance, advocacy and inclusive development, with a focus on closing the digital divide.
Programme highlights (what to expect)
Day 1 — Digital Transformation & Data-Driven Advocacy
Explores AI, big data, blockchain and other digital tools for transparency, governance and civic monitoring. Sessions will address digital exclusion, data privacy and practical examples of tech-enabled service delivery.
Day 2 — Governance, Media & Digital Rights
Focus on media’s role in accountability, combating misinformation, digital freedoms and safeguarding personal data. Breakouts will identify policy reforms and civic strategies to strengthen democratic participation.
Day 3 — Leadership, Health Advocacy, Child Rights, Natural Extractives & Sustainability
A mix of sessions on principled leadership, health systems (including SRHR and mental health), child protection, and transparent governance of natural resources using modern tools for oversight and community benefit. The day closes with drafting a roadmap for sustainable, accountable regional leadership.
Who should attend
The Summit will convene ~400 delegates from the eight EAC partner states, including representatives from:
Civil society organizations and grassroots movements
Government ministries and regional bodies (EAC Secretariat, EALA)
Media and communications professionals
Development partners and academics
Private sector and technology innovators
Youth groups, women’s networks, organizations for persons with disabilities and community advocates.
Logistics & practical information
Dates: 29 September – 1 October 2025.
Venue: Nairobi, Kenya.
Participation fee: USD 200 (covers conference materials and access to all sessions).
Languages: English and Kiswahili (interpretation services provided).
Accessibility measures (e.g., sign language interpretation, wheelchair-accessible venues and reduced fees for targeted groups) are included to maximise participation.