The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has assumed the chairmanship of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform that is comprised of 8 blocks.
The IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu took over the chairmanship from the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, for the 2024-2025 period.
The IGAD secretariat stated that its leadership priorities include driving a collaborative and forward-looking agenda that reinforces regional integration and Africa’s global positioning.
Leveraging digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence, is part of the agenda.
Dr. Workneh congratulated the new African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Yousouf and committed that IGAD will and committed actively engage with the continental body.
IGAD also pledged to foster unity & regional coordination by upholding an open-door policy and inviting all RECs and Regional Mechanisms to engage in a spirit of openness, dialogue, and shared ambition.
Promoting Pan-Africanism and continental integration is another area of interest.
The Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform is a mechanism for enhancing collaboration, coordination, and synergy among Africa’s key regional economic blocs.
It was established to strengthen regional integration and facilitate dialogue and policy alignment.
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.
