East Africa is one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world. Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda have developed a distinctive digital ecosystem, featuring M-Pesa as a national payment infrastructure, digital public services through eCitizen, a dynamic venture capital landscape, and a young, mobile-first population.

In 2025, investment in Kenya's technology sector exceeded USD 1 billion, while startups raised nearly USD 980 million, accounting for more than one-third of all venture funding across Africa.

On July 9 at 11:00 AM, the Center for Global IT Cooperation, together with Digital Industrial Technologies (DIT), will host a practical webinar exploring the IT opportunities across East Africa—from the Horn of Africa to the Indian Ocean coast.

The webinar will provide a detailed overview of:

• the region's macroeconomic environment;
• company registration and business establishment procedures;
• fintech, agritech, and digital public services;
• investment trends;
• practical lessons from companies already operating in the region.

Participants will also receive an overview of the upcoming Digital Business Mission to East Africa, which will take place in October 2026.

Webinar Agenda

East Africa Through the Eyes of an Exporter

Vasily Zudin
Deputy Director, Center for Global IT Cooperation

• Overview of East Africa's digital economy
• Priority markets and sectors for Russian IT companies
• Current demand for digital technologies and solutions
• Opportunities for participation in the Digital Business Mission

The Digital Attaché Service: Expanding Opportunities for Russian IT Exporters

Alexey Sazhinov
Head of the Digital Attaché Project Office, Digital Industrial Technologies (DIT)

• Support mechanisms for Russian IT exporters
• Government tools for entering international markets
• Practical assistance throughout the export process

Kenya: The Region's Digital Gateway

Digital Attaché of the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Kenya

• Kenya's business climate and legal framework
• Company registration procedures
• Priority technology sectors
• Key industry exhibitions and business events
• Practical recommendations for entering the Kenyan market

Working with Local Partners: Cultural and Business Considerations

Invited Expert

• Business culture and negotiation practices
• Building long-term partnerships
• Product localization strategies
• Typical mistakes made by foreign companies entering East Africa

Government Support Measures for IT Exporters

Representative of the Russian Export Center

• Financial and non-financial support instruments
• Export financing and insurance
• Assistance with exhibitions, business missions, and international promotion

Q&A Session

Participants will have the opportunity to ask experts practical questions regarding:

• entering East African markets;
• legal and regulatory requirements;
• localization strategies;
• export support mechanisms;
• participation in the upcoming business mission.

The webinar is intended for:

• IT companies planning international expansion;
• software developers and system integrators;
• technology startups;
• exporters seeking new growth markets;
• professionals involved in international business development.