IGAD assumes chairmanship of Inter-Regional Economic Communities coordination platform
IGAD's Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, officially assumes chairmanship from Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, who served for the period 2024-2025.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform.
As a result, IGAD's Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, officially assumes chairmanship from Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, who served for the period 2024-2025.
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RECs Coordination Platform serves as a strategic mechanism for enhancing collaboration, coordination, and synergy among Africa's key regional economic blocs amongst them 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.
It was established to strengthen regional integration and ensure a unified approach to addressing the continent-s socio-economic and political challenges in line with the AU Agenda 2063 among other continental frameworks that promote sustainable development, trade, and peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
Speaking while assuming the position in Addis Ababa, Dr Workneh said IGAD remains committed to strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms noting the successes achieved under the leadership of his predecessor.
"As IGAD takes up this esteemed role, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, unity, and closer cooperation between the RECs and the African Union," he said.
Dr Workneh said IGAD will prioritise leveraging digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence to harness development of innovations that support the continent's development, ensuring that technology is a driver of economic growth and resilience.
IGAD will also foster unity, regional coordination and collaboration with regional bodies to address Africa's common challenges and maximize opportunities.
"As we embark on this new chapter, IGAD looks forward to working closely with the incoming African Union Commission upon conclusion of the elections at this 38th AU Ordinary Summit. We believe that early engagement will be critical in ensuring that RECs remain at the heart of the AU's strategic planning and decision-making processes," he added.
The office of Chairperson is held for one year in rotation among the partner states. Consequently, the IGAD boss shall chair the platform till January 2026.
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