October 6, 2025 (Djibouti, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretariat, with its Economic Cooperation & Regional Integration Division (ECRID) and Health & Social Development Division (HSD), hosted the African Development Bank (AfDB) for high-level consultations on the Eastern Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (EA-RISP 2023–2027) Mid-Term Review and the 2025 Regional Portfolio Performance Review.
The AfDB mission, led by Mr Bubacarr SANKAREH, Lead Operations Advisor, forms part of a regional dialogue series across Arusha, Djibouti, and Addis Ababa, aimed at assessing progress, identifying implementation challenges, and aligning strategic priorities to strengthen integration, trade, and resilience across Eastern Africa.
Delivering remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr Duguma Adugna, IGAD Chief of Staff, welcomed the AfDB delegation and reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Bank to advance regional integration, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
“IGAD remains steadfast in working with AfDB to transform regional strategies into tangible actions that enhance trade, build resilience, and create opportunities for our people,” said Dr Duguma.
The joint hosting by Dr Mohy Tohami, Director of IGAD Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division, and Amb Mousse Meigage, director of IGAD Health and Social Development Division, underscored IGAD’s integrated approach to regional development — connecting economic transformation, health, and social inclusion as key pillars of a resilient and prosperous region.
Discussions focused on the Mid-Term Review of the EA-RISP 2023–2027, highlighting progress and priorities in:
•Advancing AfCFTA implementation through IGAD’s Regional Trade Policy (2022–2026);
•Strengthening regional infrastructure, energy interconnectivity, and value chains;
•Mainstreaming climate resilience, youth employment, and gender inclusion across programmes;
•Enhancing coordination and data systems to improve evidence-based regional planning.
The AfDB team presented findings from its ongoing review, identifying opportunities to enhance project readiness, partnerships, and investment impact in the IGAD region.
Both IGAD and AfDB reaffirmed their shared vision to accelerate the implementation of regional flagship programmes supporting trade, integration, and inclusive growth.
The outcomes from the Djibouti consultations will inform the final EA-RISP Mid-Term Review Report, shaping the Bank’s regional operations and future cooperation with IGAD and its Member States for 2026–2027. Together, IGAD and AfDB are shaping a connected, competitive, and resilient Eastern Africa — one region, one vision, one future.
