Two day Regional Meeting of National Authorizing Officers for the Horn of Africa Initiative convened today in Nairobi, Kenya. Representatives from the European Union, IGAD and IRCC attended to discuss regional development programs and to enhance delivery on the regional integration agenda.
Delegates from Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan focused on inter-connectivity to support infrastructure partnership for the reduction of poverty through trade and investment.
Eng. Mahboub Maalim, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, who spoke to the delegates urged everyone to move forward quickly. “I must admit it took a much longer time than I anticipated getting to today’s stage,” he said.
“What is most important is political support and ownership,” said Eng. Maalim. “Our partners need to be convinced that Member States support this program."
The meeting is precursor to a ministerial gathering tomorrow that will endorse a report of today's meeting and sign a joint statement on the way forward.
