East African nations take steps to bring AI education to all undergraduate courses

The East African Community (EAC) has approved a regional artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and a foundational AI module for university students, in a move aimed at building digital skills and encouraging the responsible use of emerging technologies across the region.

The decisions were taken at the 21st Sectoral Council meeting on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Sports, held from Oct 27 to 31 at the headquarters of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in Kampala, Uganda.

Ministers responsible for education, science and technology from the EAC partner states also adopted regional strategies on digital transformation and biotechnology. The measures are intended to establish a common framework for the development and use of emerging technologies across sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, industry and public administration.

AI module proposed across undergraduate disciplines

The approved module is intended to give undergraduate students basic knowledge and practical competencies in AI, regardless of their chosen field of study. This means the proposed training would not be restricted to students pursuing computer science or technology-related degrees.

The ministers directed EAC partner states to consider adopting the module across university degree programmes. The IUCEA has been tasked with preparing a regional implementation framework to guide its introduction.

The module was developed through consultations involving universities, government representatives, AI experts and development partners. An earlier validation exercise in October examined its proposed learning outcomes, teaching methods and assessment framework. The curriculum is intended to cover responsible AI use, critical assessment of AI-generated information, data protection and ethical decision-making.

Regional network of universities to promote AI research

The ministers also approved the establishment and operationalisation of a Regional Artificial Intelligence Network of Universities. The network is expected to encourage cooperation among higher education institutions in AI teaching, research and innovation.

In addition, the council endorsed three instruments for integrating AI into teacher education. These cover curriculum and competencies, institutional policies, and professional codes of conduct.

The ministers also agreed to develop AI certification benchmarks for Kiswahili, reflecting efforts to expand the language's use in digital technologies. They adopted the EAC Kiswahili Language Policy and recommended that it be submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration and approval.

EAC universities face scrutiny over tuition fees

Alongside the technology-related decisions, the council reviewed the implementation of a regional directive requiring students from EAC partner states to pay the same tuition fees as domestic students at universities in their host countries. The directive also requires fees to be paid in the host country's local currency.

The ministers noted that some public and private universities had not fully implemented the decision. The IUCEA, working with national higher education regulators, will assess compliance and submit its findings to the 23rd Sectoral Council.

The council also approved the EAC Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Qualifications Framework. The framework is intended to improve the comparability and recognition of technical and vocational qualifications across partner states, supporting academic and professional mobility.

The EAC comprises eight partner states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The regional decisions establish a common policy direction for AI education, but their implementation will depend on individual partner states and universities. The EAC announcement does not specify a deadline for introducing the foundational module across universities.