The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with support from the World Bank through the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), has convened a three day regional validation workshop to advance the development of a Regional Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) Framework aimed at strengthening government private sector collaboration in driving digital transformation across the IGAD region.
The workshop brings together policymakers, regulators, and PPP focal points from IGAD Member States to review, enrich, and validate key deliverables, including the documented PPP best practices and draft regional PPP framework. The process is expected to support harmonised approaches to digital infrastructure development, cybersecurity resilience, innovation, and cross border digital service delivery.
Opening the session, the Head of IGAD Mission to Kenya, Dr. Fatuma Adan, underscored the importance of building strong partnerships that translate regional commitments into practical outcomes.
“Public Private Partnerships are essential to unlocking the expertise, innovation, and investment required to deliver the digital future our region aspires to,” said Dr. Fatuma. “This workshop is an important step towards strengthening collaboration between governments and the private sector, so that our digital transformation efforts are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.”
Participants were welcomed by the Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration at IGAD, Dr. Mohy Tohami, who highlighted the strategic role of the PPP framework in supporting coordinated action and policy coherence across Member States.
“As IGAD advances regional integration, we must also strengthen the enabling environment for cross border digital services, connectivity, and secure digital ecosystems,” said Dr. Mohy. “A coherent regional PPP framework will help align national policies and institutions, and promote coordinated investments that deliver shared benefits for our people and economies.”
The validation workshop aims to promote ownership of the framework by Member States while ensuring that the proposed approaches reflect regional priorities and practical implementation realities. The outcomes will guide the development of coordinated PPP initiatives that support inclusive growth, cross border trade facilitation, and resilient digital systems across the region.
Through EARDIP support, IGAD continues to strengthen regional cooperation in digital development, with a focus on expanding connectivity, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting innovation, and improving the delivery of cross border digital services and markets.
