EAC Advances Regional AI Skills Initiative to Prepare East African Graduates for the Future of Work
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 6 October 2026- The East African Community (EAC), the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany, have taken a significant step towards strengthening Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy in higher education through the validation of the draft EAC AI Foundational Module.
The two-day regional stakeholder validation workshop, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, brought together representatives from higher learning institutions, government and regulatory bodies, AI experts, development partners and other stakeholders to review the module and provide recommendations for its effective implementation across the EAC region.
The initiative seeks to establish AI literacy as a foundational competence for university students across all academic disciplines, equipping graduates with the knowledge, practical skills and critical judgement required to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world of work. The module is designed to promote responsible AI use, critical engagement with AI-generated information, data protection, ethical decision-making and practical application across technical and non-technical fields.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Acting Executive Secretary of IUCEA, Professor Idris A. Rai, emphasised the importance of developing AI competencies that respond to East Africa’s unique educational, technological and socio-economic realities.
“Our ambition is not simply to adopt what has been developed elsewhere. We want to co-create a foundational AI module that reflects the context of East Africa and equips our youth with the knowledge and practical capabilities they need to engage meaningfully with AI”, he added.
During the workshop, participants engaged in group discussions to critically examine the module’s relevance, learning outcomes, teaching methodologies, assessment framework and regional applicability. The deliberations provided an important platform for stakeholders to contribute expert perspectives and recommendations towards strengthening the module’s quality, inclusiveness and readiness for implementation across diverse higher education institutions.
The module has benefited from technical contributions and collaboration involving the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Alliance4AI and other regional and international experts. This collaborative approach places East African higher learning institutions, educators and learners at the centre of developing a common foundation for AI literacy and practical application.
At the close of the two-day workshop, Professor Rai expressed appreciation to the development partners, participating institutions, AI experts, government representatives and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions, constructive engagement and commitment to advancing AI readiness in East African higher education.
He reiterated that AI literacy must become a foundational competence for every university student, regardless of their field of study. He further emphasised that graduates need more than the ability to use AI tools; they must also possess the judgement to assess AI-generated information, recognise its limitations, safeguard sensitive information and apply AI responsibly and ethically.
Deputy Executive Secretary of the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Dr Fortunate Muyambi, underscored the importance of strengthening regional capacity to translate AI ambitions into practical outcomes, stating:
“East Africa’s AI ambition must be matched by our capacity to deliver. A harmonised curriculum and a connected regional AI network can turn our emerging EAC AI Strategy into opportunity, equipping graduates across disciplines, strengthening collaboration and advancing responsible innovation that responds to our region’s priorities.”
Following the validation process, institutions within the EAC Regional AI Network that demonstrate the required readiness will be considered for piloting the module. The pilot phase will generate evidence on delivery approaches, institutional requirements, lecturer preparedness and learner engagement, informing potential wider regional adoption. IUCEA will also support institutional capacity development to strengthen effective implementation.
The development of the AI Foundational Module forms part of the broader interventions under the EAC AI Alliance, which promotes regional cooperation in AI research and innovation, skills and talent development, and AI strategy and policy harmonisation. Through this initiative, IUCEA continues to support regional collaboration, harmonisation of higher education systems and the development of a future-ready workforce capable of contributing to innovation, entrepreneurship, productivity and sustainable economic growth.
The validation workshop marks an important milestone in translating East Africa’s AI ambitions into practical competencies, expanded employment opportunities and economic value, while strengthening the region’s competitiveness and digital integration.
About the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is an institution of the East African Community responsible for coordinating the development of higher education and promoting collaboration among universities and other higher education stakeholders across the region. IUCEA advances regional integration through harmonisation of higher education systems, quality assurance, research and innovation, academic mobility, partnerships and capacity development.
About the EAC AI Alliance
The EAC AI Alliance is a regional initiative of the East African Community that strengthens cooperation among Partner States in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on AI research and innovation, skills and talent development, and harmonising AI strategy and policy. The Alliance brings together regional institutions, higher learning and research institutions, technical partners, development partners and other stakeholders to build inclusive AI capabilities and strengthen East Africa’s participation in the global AI ecosystem.
Media Contact:
Gai Peter Manyuon, PhD
Public Relations and Corporate Communications Officer
Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
Email:gmanyuon@iucea.org