September 16, 2026 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): The IGAD Agriculture and Environment Division is convening a two-day expert meeting in Addis Ababa for the final review and validation of the IGAD Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) 2026–2035 and the Regional Seed Policy Framework.
The meeting brings together experts from IGAD Member States and technical partners to review recommendations and consolidate the two frameworks ahead of their Ministerial endorsement on 17 September 2026.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Daher Elmi, Director, IGAD Agriculture and Environment Division, Dr Senait, Agriculture and Food Security Expert, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared food systems challenges:
“The challenges we face are not problems any single nation can solve alone. They are regional problems requiring regional solutions.”
The RASIP provides a framework for coordinated investment across agriculture, environment, trade and resilience, while the Regional Seed Policy and Regulatory Framework seeks to strengthen seed systems and improve access to quality seeds.
The two instruments support continental commitments under the CAADP Kampala Declaration and are being advanced under the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP).
