September 19-20, 2026 (Nairobi, Kenya): IGAD, through its Peace and Security Division, together with the United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (UN OSE-HoA), successfully concluded a two-day Expert Roundtable on Political Economy Approaches to Strengthening Peace and Regional Cooperation and Integration in the Horn of Africa.
The roundtable brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, peacebuilding practitioners, regional institutions and civil society representatives to examine how political and economic dynamics influence conflict, cooperation, governance and regional integration across the Horn of Africa.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Cheick L. Conde, Principal Political Affairs Officer at the UN Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, and Amb. Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission to Kenya. The roundtable was officially opened by Ms. Edith Mutheu, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya.
During the first day, participants examined how political settlements, economic interests, power relations, resource competition and regional geopolitics shape conflict and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Discussions also explored governance, post-conflict recovery and the role of trade, infrastructure, connectivity and economic interdependence in advancing peace and regional integration.
The second day focused on inclusive peacebuilding, particularly women’s and youth participation, community engagement, social cohesion and economic inclusion. Participants considered how locally led initiatives can be better connected to national and regional peace and security processes.
The roundtable also identified opportunities to strengthen cooperation among IGAD, the United Nations and regional stakeholders. Participants discussed establishing a Political Economy Community of Practice to promote continued learning, research and knowledge exchange.
The resulting recommendations will inform the planned UN–IGAD High-Level Dialogue and support context-sensitive, evidence-based and inclusive approaches to peacebuilding and regional cooperation. The roundtable followed a three-day capacity-building training on conflict, political economy analysis and peacebuilding held in Nairobi from 16-18 September 2026.
The activity is funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF).
