February 14, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s regional integration and cooperation efforts.
H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, took over the chairmanship from H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, for the 2024-2025 period. IGAD expresses its deep appreciation for Dr. Touray’s leadership and commitment during his tenure, which strengthened coordination and engagement among RECs.
IGAD’s Priorities as Chair
As the new chair of the platform, IGAD is committed to driving a collaborative and forward-looking agenda that reinforces regional integration and Africa’s global positioning. The key priorities include:
- Leveraging Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence: Advances in artificial
intelligence (AI) and digital technology present both challenges and opportunities for Africa. IGAD will work with fellow RECs to harness these innovations for the continent’s development, ensuring that technology is a driver of economic growth and resilience.
- Enhancing Collaboration with the African Union (AU): IGAD will actively engage with the incoming African Union Commission, ensuring that RECs continue to play a strategic role in AU decision-making. The platform will serve as a mechanism to strengthen Africa’s institutional architecture and collective decision-making processes.
- Fostering Unity & Regional Coordination: IGAD upholds an open-door policy and invites all RECs and Regional Mechanisms to engage in a spirit of openness, dialogue, and shared ambition. Strengthening collaboration among regional bodies will be key to addressing Africa’s common challenges and maximizing opportunities.
- Promoting Pan-Africanism & Continental Integration: IGAD remains fully committed to the principles of Pan-Africanism, reinforcing regional unity and advocating for a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa that speaks with one voice on the global stage.
In assuming this leadership role, IGAD reaffirms its commitment to diligence, cooperation, and advancing Africa’s shared development agenda. Together, Africa’s RECs and AU institutions will work to shape a more resilient and globally competitive continent.
Background
The Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform serves as a strategic mechanism for enhancing collaboration, coordination, and synergy among Africa’s key regional economic blocs. Established to strengthen regional integration, the platform facilitates dialogue, policy alignment, and joint initiatives among the RECs, ensuring a unified approach to addressing the continent’s socio- economic and political challenges. By fostering cross-regional cooperation, the platform supports the implementation of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and other continental frameworks, promoting sustainable development, trade, and peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
The platform comprises key Regional Economic Communities (RECs), including IGAD in the Horn of Africa, ECOWAS in West Africa, COMESA in Eastern and Southern Africa, and EAC focusing on regional economic and political integration.
Additionally, SADC promotes cooperation and security in Southern Africa, ECCAS supports economic collaboration in Central Africa, UMA fosters unity in North Africa, and CEN-SAD advances trade and security across its diverse member states. Together, these RECs work through the Inter-REC Coordination Platform to harmonise policies, drive infrastructure development, enhance peace and security, and advocate for Africa’s shared interests on the global stage.
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