Experts agree on cross border regulation, harmonization of ICT services
By Denis Ejulu
Experts across East Africa on Friday agreed on 17 guidelines to harmonize and regulate the information, communication and technology services.
The group said in a communiqué issued at the closure of the first Advisory Council and 30th Annual Assembly of the East African Communication Organization (EACO) which commenced on June 9th to 13th 2025 in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
They established the framework for collaboration among national certification of equipment for radio telecommunications standards (CERTS) in the region, model guidelines for harmonization of postal and courier security, EACO model policy and regulation framework for spectrum management, and EACO broadcasting policy.
In addition, they also established the framework on the authorization and use of maritime frequencies, maritime mobile service identities and call signs, regional framework for cross-border frequency coordination, mechanism for frequency coordination for mobile services, East African radio frequency spectrum allocation plan, terms of reference for the development of a regional tariff tracker, and the framework for collection and validation of e-waste data.
The forum held under the theme “shaping the future of the East African region through digital transformation” was attended by delegates from the eight member states of the East African Community (EAC).
The group also launched the East Africa framework on national CERT and certification of equipment for information technology services (CEITS).
In addition, they agreed to establish collaboration with the relevant agencies such as central banks on issues of call regulation of mobile financial services, consumer protection issues, quality of service and cyber security.
They called on regional telecom operators urged to fully participate in activities of cross-border frequency coordination, and ensure effective collaboration between operators and regulators as they resolve cross-border challenges.
“Mobile network operators are also encouraged to deploy border roaming solutions to mitigate false roaming,” they said.
Experts also urged national regulatory authorities and mobile network operators to continue facilitating their officials to attend all EACO meetings to enhance productivity in realizing the 2023-2028 strategic plan.
Caroline Koech, the incoming executive director of EACO, said that the region must embrace the realities of the rapidly changing digital space, adding that East Africa stands at a pivotal trajectory amid a myriad of challenges.
“The pace of technological advancement demands that we be agile, flexible, inclusive and forward thinking. My vision for EACO is one of purposeful collaboration for impact, guided by the 2023-2028 strategic plan,” she said.
Koech disclosed that she will focus on accelerating regional digital transformation, ensuring inclusivity, affordability and resilience and strengthening of institutional capacity and sustainability.
“I will focus on making EACO a home for all stakeholders; we will foster an inclusive space where all stakeholders, regulators , innovators and operators are heard, valued and empowered especially in emerging issues like artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance,” Koech said.
