The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) was established in 2007 as a semi-autonomous institution of the East African Community (EAC). The EASTECO Headquarters offices are based in Kigali, Rwanda, with activities starting in 2015.
The overall objective of EASTECO as defined in the Protocol on its Establishment is to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of science and technology for regional integration and socio-economic development. The protocol defines the following key objectives for EASTECO:
- The formulation of regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies;
- The joint development and application of science and technology;
- The promotion of regional research centres of excellence;
- The exchange and utilisation of scientific information;
- Promotion of public and private sector partnership in the development and application of STI;
- Mobilisation of resources for STI in the community;
- Fostering scientific and technological innovation in the Partner States;
- Development, adoption and utilisation of ICT and the adoption of new and emerging technologies;
- Supporting the dissemination of research and development findings in the Partner States.
