August 19–20, 2025 (MOGADISHU, Somalia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia, convened a two-day technical consultation to review the IGAD Strategy 2021–2025 and initiate the formulation of the IGAD Strategy 2026–2030.
The consultation, held in Mogadishu, brought together senior officials from national institutions, civil society organisations, academia, and development partners. It forms part of a broader regional exercise to collect data and assess the achievements and challenges of the outgoing strategy, while shaping priorities for the new one.
Speaking at the opening, the IGAD Head of Mission to Somalia, Mr. Mohamud Kaarshe, underscored the participatory approach guiding the process:
“We are moving away from the traditional way of planning and, instead, co-creating this strategy with you — the Member States. This ensures that the new strategy reflects not only regional aspirations, but also national realities and priorities”.
He emphasised that Somalia has a unique opportunity to showcase leadership through effective coordination among its ministries and institutions in shaping the new IGAD Strategy:
“Our vision is for Somalia to be on the IGAD map among the best examples of how national coordination can strengthen regional planning and integration”.
On behalf of the Government of Somalia, Mr Shafie Mohamud Nageye, Head of IGAD Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of aligning the review process with Somalia’s national priorities:
“This gathering provides a timely opportunity for us to reflect collectively on our regional aspirations, especially as Somalia has recently launched our National Transformation Plan, which we hope will align with and complement IGAD’s shared vision”.
He welcomed the inclusive nature of the meeting, noting that the participation of governments, civil society, and other stakeholders demonstrates a shared commitment to regional peace, integration, and prosperity.
Over the two days, participants engaged in technical discussions and presentations, providing candid reflections on the performance of the IGAD Strategy 2021–2025 and generating recommendations for the next phase. The outcomes of the Mogadishu consultation will contribute directly to the evaluation report of the current strategy and inform the drafting of the IGAD Strategy 2026–2030.
The process is part of a wider regional consultation exercise coordinated by IGAD’s Planning, Coordination and Partnership Division (PCPD) with the support of Adapt Capital Africa, and will cover all IGAD Member States between August and September 2025.
The contributions from Somalia’s technical experts, government institutions, and non-state actors will be consolidated into a national report, serving as an input into the regional synthesis. This participatory approach ensures that the forthcoming IGAD Strategy 2026–2030 is evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to the development aspirations of the region.
