Embracing ICT utilization in fostering East African integration

The effective EAC regional economic integration is intended to be achieved through the establishment of a customs union, a common market, subsequently a monetary union and ultimately a political federation of the East African States. To facilitate these regional integration levels, information and communication technology (ICT) is a key in boosting regional economic development. With ICT, regional cooperation and integration efforts should mainstream information society and digital inclusion issues in their plans and programs when policies and mechanisms are put in place. This research was seeking to show how national market liberalization and regional trade become possible when these new technologies are used in today¿s business environment. Therefore, the study has drawn all aspects of ICT industry which facilitate regional cooperation, foster economies of scale, improve compatible standards and attract investment, and was conducted in five EAC partner sates including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.