Themes and Sub-themes
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Themes and Sub-themes
Conference Theme
"Advancing Productive Sector Cooperation for Socioeconomic Transformation In The East African Community
EACON convenes government officials, policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and development partners to explore solutions and share insights that shape the region’s future. Our mission is to empower stakeholders with knowledge, build regional partnerships, and accelerate economic and social progress.
EACON convenes government officials, policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and development partners to explore solutions and share insights that shape the region’s future.
EACON 2025 Subthemes
Agriculture & Food Security
The discussions under this theme will explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and precision farming can transform agriculture in East Africa by improving productivity and sustainability. The use of data-driven approaches, automated irrigation systems, and predictive analytics can help farmers optimize planting schedules, increase crop yields, and mitigate risks associated with erratic weather patterns. Additionally, climate change remains a pressing issue for the region, and this session will focus on climate-smart agricultural practices, including water conservation, sustainable land management, and agroforestry, to build resilience against environmental challenges. Strengthening food security and market access will also be a key area of discussion, as integrating Somalia into EAC’s agricultural value chains will provide new trade opportunities and enhance regional self-sufficiency.
Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion
This theme will examine the role of harmonized cross-border payment systems in reducing trade costs and enhancing financial accessibility across EAC member states. The region has seen rapid growth in mobile money services, yet fragmented regulatory frameworks and interoperability challenges continue to hinder seamless transactions. EACON 2025 will explore how blockchain technology, AI-driven financial solutions, and mobile innovations can create a more inclusive, efficient, and secure financial ecosystem. The discussions will also highlight the importance of public-private collaborations in digital finance, focusing on regulatory alignment, cybersecurity measures, and digital financial literacy initiatives to ensure that fintech solutions benefit all segments of society, particularly marginalized and rural communities.
Trade Facilitation & Economic Integration
This theme will address the persistent barriers to regional trade, particularly the non-tariff barriers (NTBs), inefficient customs procedures, and weak trade logistics infrastructure that limit economic growth. The discussions will focus on strategies for removing trade barriers, ensuring that businesses can operate more efficiently across borders. Investment in regional infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and ports will be a major point of discussion, as improved connectivity is essential for lowering trade costs and enhancing market access. Additionally, policy coordination for seamless trade will be emphasized, as aligning national trade policies with EAC wide regulatory frameworks is crucial for fostering a stronger, more integrated economic bloc.
Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion
The final theme will focus on unlocking investment opportunities in agriculture, fintech, and trade infrastructure. By scaling innovation in agriculture and fintech, this session will highlight promising business ventures that can drive economic growth and job creation across East Africa. Special attention will be given to the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in mobilizing investment, ensuring that governments and private sector actors collaborate to fund and implement high-impact projects. This theme will also showcase emerging startups and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for venture capitalists, investors, and development partners to identify and support scalable business models that contribute to sustainable economic development.