For East Africa, Quantum computing carries a promise of computing power beyond classical computing, unlocking breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, climate modelling, and finance. Despite notable ongoing work as of 2025, the International Year of Quantum, concerns are being raised about whether the region is punching above its weight, given its modest contribution to research in this paradigm.

East Africa’s youth are a socially and economically significant majority between the ages of 14 and 35 who have the potential to determine the region’s future. Excluding South Sudan, about 80% of the estimated 146 million East Africans are below the age of 35 years. However, the region’s technical skills education remains severely underdeveloped.