Seoul Metropolitan Government Mayor Oh Se-hoon has signed a memorandum of understanding to increase mutual cooperation in e-government technology and other areas of interest with East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Richard Sezibera. 

The EAC, which consists of the republics of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi and Tanzania, was formed to promote regional cooperation and development.

Sunyoung Jung, Assistant of Seoul Government CIO Dr. Jong-Sung Hwang, told FutureGov, “Together, the EAC and Seoul Metropolitan Government shall strive to work together to enhance e-government for development, establish and strengthen the Information Management Services in the EAC organs, institutions and other relevant institutions in the partner states, with the aim of achieving a paperless EAC, work together to support the development and deployment of key e-government applications, and build ICT Institutional Capacity for the EAC.”

“The partnership will also define the information society through exchange of case studies in e-government applying latest ICT update, strengthen cooperation through exchange of experts, joint training programs, seminars, and forums, improve ICT industry of both Parties by supporting ICT enterprises to cooperate with each other in advancing technology and ensuring development of new markets, and collaborate in any other area of mutual interest agreed between the Parties.”

This is the 12th MOU the Seoul Metropolitan Government has signed with other countries regarding e-government systems, hoping that this will be an opportunity to help solve the digital divide in African regions and strengthen mutual assistance.