Eight youth and women innovators from the East African Community (EAC) member states have been awarded a total of €120,000 (approximately $126,000) to enhance their innovative solutions addressing the region’s economic challenges.
In a statement released from its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, on Thursday, the EAC announced the winners of the monetary awards, which were presented at the regional hackathon held in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the 7th Annual EAC Secretary General’s Forum.
The hackathon featured a competitive pitching session for women- and youth-led projects, focusing on innovative responses to challenges hindering regional economic integration.
Held under the theme “Toward a Resilient and Fully Integrated East Africa: Harnessing Opportunities in the Borderless Community,” the forum tackled complex regional issues while exploring pathways for collective growth and development. It also provided a platform for citizens to engage in policymaking, address pressing concerns, and collaborate on strategies to achieve a seamless and integrated regional community.
Veronica Nduva, Secretary General of the EAC, highlighted the hackathon’s significance as a reflection of the bloc’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
“The region’s future lies in the hands of women and youth, who are the driving forces behind innovation, creativity, and economic resilience,” Nduva stated. “This hackathon is not merely a competition; it is an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and growth, leveraging the collective intelligence of our women and youth to address the pressing economic challenges facing our region.”
The EAC is an intergovernmental organisation comprising eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
By fostering collaboration and innovation, the hackathon exemplified the region’s commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive future, driven by the ingenuity and determination of its women and youth.
