East African Communications Organisation
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About EACO

East African
Communications
Organisation

A regional autonomous organisation with international legal personality, bringing together national ICT regulators, operators and service providers across East Africa since 2012.

74ICT Members
7Member Countries
12+MoUs & Affiliates
2012Year Established
Our Story

A Regional Body Built for the Digital Age

EACO was established in 2012 as a regional autonomous organisation with international legal personality, headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda.

EACO brings together national ICT regulators, operators, service providers in the telecommunication, broadcasting and postal sub-sectors, ICT training institutions and other stakeholders in the communication sector across Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The broad objective of EACO is to strengthen and promote cooperation among the seven EAC Countries in the development and provision of postal, telecommunication and broadcasting services in East Africa — building the foundations of a truly connected, digitally empowered region.

Presently, EACO is a Sector Member of the ITU and an Observer at the EAC, with 74 ICT members and over 12 Memorandums of Understanding with affiliates across the globe.

 
2012Year of Establishment

Established as a regional autonomous organisation with international legal personality under the East African Community framework.

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Headquarters
Kigali, Rwanda
East Africa · UTC+2
Mission

"To coordinate the development of the communications sector through harmonization of policy and regulatory frameworks in the East African Community."

Vision

"A digitally empowered East Africa region."

What We Do

EACO Objectives

Our four strategic objectives guide every working group, committee decision and regional initiative — from spectrum harmonisation to universal connectivity.

01Promote Broadcasting, Postal & Telecommunications
Promote Broadcasting, Postal & Telecommunications
Foster the growth and modernisation of broadcasting, postal and telecommunications/ICT services to drive economic development and social inclusion.
02Harmonise ICT Policy & Regulatory Frameworks
Harmonise ICT Policy & Regulatory Frameworks
Align policy and regulatory frameworks across the East African region to reduce barriers, enable interoperability and support cross-border digital services.
03Board-Directed Objectives
Board-Directed Objectives
Pursue any other objective as may be determined by the EACO Board from time to time, ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of the region.
04Achieve Robust, Reliable & Affordable Communications
Achieve Robust, Reliable & Affordable Communications
Devise ways and means to achieve robust, reliable, secure, affordable and efficient communication services within the East African Community.
Membership

Seven Member Countries

South Sudan flag
South Sudan
NCA - National Communications Authority
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
TCRA - Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority
D.R. Congo flag
D.R. Congo
ARPCT - Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications
Uganda flag
Uganda
UCC - Uganda Communications Commission
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
RURA - Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority
Burundi flag
Burundi
ARCT - Autorité de Régulation de la Communication du Burundi
Kenya flag
Kenya
CA - Communication Authority of Kenya
What We Stand For

EACO Core Values

Five principles guide every decision, partnership and programme — from the boardroom to the field.

Inclusivity

We work together in unity of mind and mission, committing to serve the diverse population of East Africa in building a knowledgeable, informed society.

Sustainability

We are committed to operating in a manner that fosters environmental, social and economic well-being across the East African region.

Innovation

We constantly strive to redefine excellence, staying open to ideas that challenge conventional views and drive innovation to meet society's changing needs.

Integrity

We uphold laws and regulations, act with honesty and transparency, and treat everyone with fairness and respect in all our dealings.

Excellence

We conduct ourselves and serve our clients in a manner that reflects our training and upholds the positive image of the organisation.

Partnerships

Global Affiliates & MoUs

EACO is a Sector Member of the ITU and an Observer at the EAC, with MoUs across leading global ICT organisations.

74ICT Members
12+Active MoUs
Strategic Direction 2023–2028

EACO Strategic Plan 2023–2028

Download the full strategic plan outlining EACO's vision, priorities and roadmap for transforming East Africa's digital communications landscape over the next five years.

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