October 20, 2025 (Nairobi, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the International Labour Organization (ILO), officially opened the Experts Meeting of the 3rd IGAD Ministerial Conference on Labour, Employment and Labour Migration in Nairobi, with financial support from the European Union (EU). The two-day technical session brings together senior experts from IGAD Member States to shape policy recommendations on labour mobility, employment policies, and migration governance ahead of the ministerial deliberations.
Participants include representatives from Ministries of Labour and Employment, Interior/Immigration, and Foreign Affairs, as well as Social Partners comprising employer federations and trade union organizations from across the IGAD region.Held under the theme:
“Improving Labour Migration and Mobility Governance for Prosperity,”
the discussions focus on three regional priorities:
- Labour, Employment and Labour Migration – Tracking progress in implementing the Seven Pillars of the Djibouti Declaration;
- Red Sea Route Irregular Migration Crisis – Addressing humanitarian, labour and security challenges along the migration route;
- IGAD Single Visa Initiative – Facilitating regional integration to boost trade, tourism and investment for non-IGAD travellers.
The Experts Meeting will prepare recommendations for Ministers of Labour and Interior, who will convene on 22 October 2025 to adopt a Ministerial Communiqué and officially launch the EU-funded Support to Free Movement of Persons and Transhumance Project (FMPT II).
Quotes from Speakers
Hellen Apiyo, Commissioner of Labour, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Republic of Kenya:
“Kenya is honoured to host this important conference. As a region, we must develop solutions that protect migrant workers, safeguard their rights, and expand job opportunities—especially for young people seeking decent work.”
Souleimon Meïmin Robleh, Secretary General, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Djibouti, and Chair of the IGAD Free Movement Cluster:
“Regional mobility is not a threat—it is an engine for shared development. Through IGAD’s Free Movement Protocol, we are building a future where borders connect rather than divide our people and economies.”
Mangar Buong Acok, Acting Minister, Ministry of Interior, Republic of South Sudan:
“No country can manage migration alone. Cross-border cooperation is essential to combat human trafficking, promote legal pathways, and ensure safe and dignified movement for our citizens.”
Amb. Moussa Ali Meigague, IGAD Director of Health and Social Development:
“Labour migration is a lifeline for millions of households. With strong governance frameworks, migration can become a driver of decent work, peace and economic integration in our region.”
Ms. Nihan Erdogen, Deputy Regional Director IOM East, Horn and Southern Africa:
“Fair migration is only possible when workers’ rights are upheld. The ILO continues to support IGAD and its Member States to ensure ethical recruitment, portability of benefits and access to social protection.”
More details: https://igad.int/labourconference2025/
For media inquiries, please contact:
Austin Opata
Head of Communications Unit
IGAD Secretariat
Email: Austin.Opata@igad.int
Homa Mulisa Ejeta
Senior Communication and Information Management Assistant
ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia
Email: ejeta@ilo.org
