The E.A.Data Governance Conference

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Main Theme

Navigating Duality in Data Governance: Innovation and Accountability in East Africa

East Africa is experiencing a profound digital shift. Governments are digitising services, innovators are deploying new tools, and citizens generate unprecedented volumes of data every day. Yet the same systems that promise inclusion and efficiency also raise new risks — shrinking civic space, expanding surveillance, algorithmic bias, and fragmented regulatory frameworks.

The East Africa Data Governance Conference 2026 brings together leaders, practitioners, and thinkers to engage honestly with this moment. The region stands at a crossroads where innovation and accountability must be held together. This conference creates a space to explore that duality — to examine the opportunities of data-driven transformation while confronting the governance challenges that define East Africa’s digital future.

Over two days, participants will interrogate the realities shaping data governance across the region and co-create practical ideas for strengthening rights, trust, and responsible innovation.

Organised by:

The East Africa Data Governance Conference

Navigating Duality in Data Governance

Across East Africa, the digital landscape is expanding rapidly. National ID systems, mobile money platforms, biometric registries, health information systems, and emerging AI applications are transforming public life. But institutional coordination, rights protections, and cross-border frameworks have not kept pace.

This conference recognises the tension at the heart of East Africa’s digital transformation: the drive to innovate and the obligation to protect people’s rights and agency.

Purpose of the Conference

The conference convenes policymakers, regulators, innovators, academics, civil society leaders, journalists, and development partners to explore one overarching question: How can East Africa advance digital innovation while safeguarding rights, trust, and accountability in governance? It is a working space — analytical, collaborative, and honest — grounded in lived realities and practical needs.

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Thematic tracks

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Days

Our Timetable

Our Schedule Plan

Day 1 - Morning Session

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Registration and Welcome Address
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Keynote Speech: The Importance of Data Governance in the EAC
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Data Sharing and Collaboration for Regional Development
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break

Day 1 - Afternoon Session

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Breakout Session – Track 1: Data Sharing and Collaboration
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Breakout Session – Track 2: Data Governance for Sustainable Development
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Networking and Refreshments
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Closing Remarks and Day 1 Summary

Day 2 - Morning Session

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Keynote Speech: Data Governance for Regional Integration
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Panel Discussion: Data Governance for Innovation and Economic Growth
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Breakout Session – Track 3: Data Governance for Regional Integration
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break

Day 2 - Afternoon Session

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Breakout Session – Track 4: Data Governance for Innovation
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Breakout Session – Track 5: Data Governance for the Future of Work
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Networking and Refreshments
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Closing Remarks, Next Steps, and Conference Conclusion

Our Speakers

Leading Voices in Data Governance

Kelsey Parker

CEO Talky

Kenneth Law

General Manager

Clarissa Sutton

Managing Director

Tom Davidson

Executive Officer

Britney Harvey

Marketing Officer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The conference aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on data governance among East African Community. It focuses on addressing the challenges and opportunities in data governance to ensure responsible data use and regional integration.

The conference is open to professionals, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with a focus on those involved in data governance and related fields.

Interested participants can submit session proposals through the the call for submissions page. Proposals should align with the conference themes and follow the submission guidelines. An organization can submit more that one proposal for different tracks. 

Data Governance Frameworks: Exploring effective governance mechanisms and policies for managing data assets and enabling data-driven governance in the East Africa Community countries.