As the next market that matters, DPI has become a cornerstone of East Africa’s regional
integration and economic growth strategy. Held from 25 to 27 May, discussions in Tallinn,
Estonia offered a practical lens into how robust digital foundations such as secure data
exchange, digital identity and payment systems, alongside partnerships with global digital
pioneers, can strengthen cross-border trade, improve public service delivery and foster a
more unified regional digital market.
The Europe–East Africa DPI Forum brought together technology companies, government
institutions, investors and development partners to strengthen strategic connections between
the East African Community (EAC) and European private sector actors, fostering long-term
digital cooperation and investment partnerships. The forum forms part of the broader EU–
EAC DEEP (Digital Economy, E-Commerce, E-Payments and Public E-Services) and Deliver
projects, which are developing selected use cases to enhance cross-border digital services
across the region.
Hosted by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and the Estonian
Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL), the three-day
programme offered participants with insights into Estonia’s digital transformation journey as
a pioneer in e-government and a frontrunner in DPI, highlighting secure data exchange
systems such as X-Road, digital identity and cybersecurity governance models as examples
that can help strengthen the EAC’s regional digital ecosystem.
The delegation also attended the Africa Business Forum held on 26 May, which featured
high-level networking sessions and explored emerging digital trade opportunities between
Europe and East Africa. These discussions were further advanced during the DPI-focused
side event, which deep-dived into practical cooperation opportunities and partnership
modalities around digital platforms and services supporting regional integration, trade and
public service delivery in the EAC.
As a key outcome of the side event, ITL and EABC signed a memorandum of understanding
to facilitate strategic connections between both private sectors for long-term collaboration.
Reflecting on the importance of business partnerships in advancing digital transformation,
Doris Põld, CEO of the Estonian Association of Information Technology and
Telecommunications, noted: “Estonian companies have built globally recognised expertise in
digital governance, interoperability, cybersecurity, and trusted digital services. Through this
partnership with the East African Business Council, we want to create practical opportunities
for cooperation, where companies from both regions can share knowledge, develop new
partnerships, and build scalable digital solutions together. We see strong potential for longterm collaboration supporting East Africa’s rapidly growing digital transformation ambitions.”
Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of the East African Business Council, highlighted the
partnership’s potential to strengthen regional innovation and business opportunities across
East Africa: “Through this partnership with ITL Estonia, EABC aims to facilitate knowledge
exchange, technology transfer, investment linkages, and private sector collaboration that will
accelerate digital transformation, innovation, and regional integration across East Africa. We
are confident that this cooperation will create new opportunities for businesses, especially
SMEs and young innovators, to participate competitively in the global digital economy.”
At its core, the mission reflected a broader ambition: linking people, markets and digital
services in ways that strengthen regional integration and economic partnerships .