HORN OF AFRICA DIGITAL MARKET INTEGRATION PROJECT

The Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I, is a multinational intervention based under the Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID) of the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The HDMI project – Phase I interventions are implemented in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan, executed by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) under ECRID, located in Djibouti. The objective of the first phase of the HDMI project is to strengthen economic integration in the Horn of Africa (HoA) region, by unlocking market opportunities, thus enhancing creation of a single digital market. With ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), complimented by the IGAD’s Vision 2050 and the recently validated IGAD strategy 2026-2030, the possibility of new markets will open new avenues for businesses and new jobs, especially for youth and women. Thus, the use of digital solutions will support implementation of the AfCFTA, which is a key policy instrument available to the African economies. Specifically, the project seeks to implement robust, secure and reliable digital trade and e-commerce enablers, promote digital economy and trust substrates and fill gaps with regards to digital ecosystem (cybersecurity, data protection