In a significant move toward regional digital integration, the COMESA Business Council (CBC) has partnered with Uganda’s Ministry of ICT & National Guidance and HiPipo to co-organise the inaugural Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit (MEA-DTS). The landmark event is scheduled for 25th – 27th June 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel in Uganda.

The Summit, which will be held under the theme “Driving Digital Transformation for a Connected and Inclusive MEA Region,” represents a strategic milestone in advancing digital connectivity across the COMESA region and beyond. His Excellency President Yoweri K. Museveni will serve as the Chief Host of this pioneering regional initiative.

Dr. Jonathan Pinifolo, Chief Operating Officer of the Digital Financial Inclusion Program at COMESA Business Council, emphasised the Summit’s strategic importance for cross-border trade: “COMESA is the biggest trading bloc in Africa, and we believe it is important to connect with the rest of Africa and the Middle East by leveraging digital tools, policies, and innovations for trade.”

The Digital Financial Inclusion Program is spearheading the development of the COMESA Digital Retail Payment Platform (DRPP) aimed at serving particulalrly women and you-run MSMEs and the customers they transact with at the bottom of the financial pyramid. This will be complemented by an e-commerce platform providing comprehensive market information across the region.

“We are focusing on interoperability and affordability,” Dr. Pinifolo explained. “The Summit offers an opportunity for governments and ICT private sector players to find common ground for seamless trade across borders.”

The MEA-DTS aligns perfectly with regional development frameworks, including Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the East African Community Vision 2050, both of which recognize ICT as a crucial driver for economic transformation. The Summit will also contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty elimination, economic growth, and digital innovation.

As a premier business association representing the private sector across the 21 COMESA Member States, CBC’s involvement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving digital transformation. The Council has consistently advocated for policies and initiatives that enhance business competitiveness and regional economic integration.

The Summit will draw participants from over 60 countries, including policymakers, ICT industry leaders, innovators, and investors. Special emphasis will be placed on youth engagement, with representation from more than 70 universities across Africa and the Middle East.

Through this collaboration, CBC aims to facilitate the development of digital ecosystems that support seamless cross-border trade, enhance financial inclusion, and create new opportunities for businesses throughout the region.

The 2025 MEA-DTS represents a significant milestone in CBC‘s ongoing efforts to promote digital transformation as a cornerstone of regional economic development and integration. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the Middle East and Africa, the Summit will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in the digital age.