<p>Financial inclusion remains a vital yet challenging aspect of sustainable development in East Africa, a region historically characterized by significant infrastructure and economic gaps. This study presents a detailed longitudinal analysis of how digital connectivity driven by mobile phone penetration and internet use is associated with the changing financial inclusion landscape in six East African countries from 2014 to 2023. Using a robust panel dataset from the World Bank’s Global Findex and World Development Indicators, the study employs fixed-effects regression models to assess the impact of digital infrastructure, controlling for main economic and demographic factors. The findings reveal a statistically significant positive relationship: a 10-percentage-point increase in mobile subscriptions per 100 people is associated with a 3.2 percentage-point rise in account ownership, while a 10-percentage-point increase in internet usage is linked to a 4.5 percentage-point growth in financial access. The analysis also uncovers differences among nations; Kenya’s advanced digital ecosystem has cemented its leadership, with account ownership reaching 90.1% by 2023, while Ethiopia shows the fastest expansion, increasing by 124% after its telecom sector was liberalized in 2021. These results underscore that digital connectivity is not merely supplementary but a critical correlate of technology leapfrogging, enabling regions to bypass traditional banking hurdles. The study contends that strategic investments in digital infrastructure, harmonized regulations, and targeted digital literacy programs are crucial for expanding and deepening financial inclusion. This research offers timely guidance for policymakers aiming to leverage the digital revolution to foster equitable economic growth.</p>