August 18-22, 2025 (Kampala, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, commenced the National Consultations as part of the review of the IGAD Strategy 2021–2025 and the formulation of the IGAD Strategy 2026–2030.
The consultations marked a critical milestone in advancing IGAD Vision 2050, which seeks to foster peace, resilience, regional integration, and prosperity across the Horn of Africa. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Authority, other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders gathered to deliberate on policy and programming priorities for Uganda, alignment with national development frameworks, and the strategic direction and next steps in shaping the new regional strategy.
The meeting was officially opened by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, who emphasized the country’s commitment to hosting the consultations and supporting IGAD’s efforts to align regional priorities with national development frameworks and sectoral plans.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, highlighted the importance of inclusive engagement: “The National Consultations are an essential platform for inclusive engagement. They ensure that the voices of governments, civil society, private sectors, academia and thinktank bodies contribute to a forward-looking strategy that strengthens regional integration.”
Dr. Awira Anthony, IGAD Director of Planning, added: “This process provides a unique opportunity to learn from the achievements and challenges of the past strategy while building on the progress made ensuring that the new strategy reflects the aspirations and priorities of all Member States.”
Facilitated by Adapt Capital Africa, with support from Governments of Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland, the consultations combined interviews and group discussions with policy and sector experts to ensure that perspectives from across sectors in the Uganda were captured and reflected in the strategy process. The exercise will produce country consultation reports, , and recommendations on thematic priorities to inform the first draft of the IGAD Strategy 2026–2030.
Through this process, IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and partnership, underscoring the importance of a forward-looking strategy that reflects the aspirations of its Member States and their people.
