Austin Opata

📢 Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) #IGAD invites pharmaceutical manufacturers and applicants to participate in the joint assessment of medicinal product dossiers under the Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (MRH) Initiative. This regional mechanism brings together National Medicines Regulatory Authorities to accelerate access to safe, quality-assured, and effective medicines across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda. Take this opportunity to fast-track your product registration across multiple IGAD countries through a collaborative and efficient regulatory pathway. Submit your Expression of Interest today. 🗓 Deadline: April 10, 2026 🔗 Read the full notice: 👉 igad.int/invitation-to-… 📝 Apply here: 👉 igad.int/application-fo… #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

I am deeply saddened by the passing of H.E. Nicholas (Fink) Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS. On behalf of IGAD, I extend sincere condolences to his family and the United Nations. We worked closely in advancing the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (RARCSS), where his leadership and commitment were instrumental in supporting peace efforts in South Sudan. His passing is a great loss to the region. We honour his legacy. May his soul rest in peace.

On behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh, #IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary, H.E. Mohamed Abdi Ware, held discussions in Nairobi, #Kenya, with experts from IDDRSI and @IGAD_CPALD. Drought continues to severely impact communities across the IGAD region, particularly pastoralists and small-scale farmers. The discussions focused on advancing sustainable, science-driven solutions, placing pastoralism and livestock development at the center of the food security agenda. IGAD remains committed to strengthening resilience and supporting communities affected by climate-related challenges. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Land Governance Secure and well managed land systems are vital for stability and sustainable livelihoods across the Horn of Africa. Through its Land Governance Programme, IGAD supports Member States in improving land policies, strengthening tenure security and promoting fair access to land and natural resources. Particular attention is given to women’s access to land and property rights, recognising that women play a central role in agriculture, family livelihoods and community resilience. By promoting gender responsive land governance and supporting inclusive policy dialogue, IGAD works with Member States and partners to strengthen women’s land rights and ensure more equitable and sustainable land management across the region. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Inclusive Trade for Shared Prosperity 🌍🤝 Across the #IGAD region, trade is opening new opportunities for growth, jobs, and entrepreneurship. Through the IGAD Regional Trade Policy 2022–2026, we are working with Member States to make trade more inclusive—supporting women, youth, refugees, migrants, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate fully in regional markets. From simplifying cross-border trade to strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and improving trade systems, IGAD is helping unlock opportunities that expand livelihoods and build stronger regional economies. ✨ Inclusive trade means inclusive growth—creating opportunity for all across the IGAD region. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

🧒 Advancing Research to Prevent Child Wasting in the IGAD Region The Intergovernmental Authority on Development Centre of Excellence in Nutrition (ICEN) released new research examining the body composition outcomes of children treated for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and its implications for policy and practice. The study shows that while treatment supports survival and weight recovery, long-term recovery of lean body mass may remain incomplete, highlighting the need for stronger prevention strategies and improved nutrition interventions. By strengthening research and evidence, IGAD continues to support policies that prevent child wasting and promote healthier growth and development across the region. ✨ Evidence-driven action is key to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Read more: igad.int/child-wasting-…

Celebrating Women Across the IGAD Region This International Women’s Day, the IGAD Secretariat honors the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women who drive peace, prosperity, and progress across our region. Under the leadership of H.E. @DrWorkneh, the Secretariat has pioneered the mission of bringing women to decision-making tables across the region through initiatives such as the Women Forums on Peace, Agriculture, Digital Security and AI, Land Governance, and the IGAD Gender Strategy, creating platforms that amplify women’s voices and expand opportunities for their full participation. #InternationalWomensDay #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Growing up and through my career, I’ve witnessed the resilience and determination of women who held families, governments, and communities together, often in the face of great challenges. Their strength continues to inspire us all to advancing women’s leadership across the region. Through initiatives such as the IGAD Women Forums on Peace, Agriculture, Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence, and Land Governance, alongside the IGAD Gender Strategy, we continue to expand opportunities and elevate women’s voices across the IGAD region. On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where women lead and thrive.

🚨 Happening Now | IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems The #IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together policymakers, women farmers, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region. Women are at the heart of agrifood systems — and their leadership is key to building a food-secure and resilient IGAD region. Over the next two days, participants will exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and explore solutions to strengthen women’s access to finance, markets, climate information, and agribusiness opportunities across the agrifood value chain. 🎤 Opening the Forum, Daher Elmi, Director of Agriculture and Environment at IGAD, highlighted the critical importance of empowering women to drive food systems transformation and resilience across the region. Stay tuned for more updates and key highlights from the Forum. Learn more: igad.int/igad-to-launch… Read more about the event: igad.int/womenonagrifoo… #WomenInFoodSystems #IGADWomenInAgriculture #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

🎥 Day 1 Highlights | IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems Powerful conversations and shared experiences marked Day 1 of the #IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems in Addis Ababa. From policy dialogue to practical insights on climate smart agriculture, digital agro climate services, and agribusiness opportunities, participants explored ways to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in transforming food systems across the region. IGAD is determined to change the narrative of making decisions for women by ensuring women are at all decision making tables making decisions for women. ▶️ Watch the key moments from Day 1. For more updates: igad.int/womenonagrifoo… #WomenInFoodSystems #IGADWomenInAgriculture #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

📍 Forum Concluded | IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems. The #IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems has successfully concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a key step toward strengthening women’s leadership and collaboration across agrifood systems in the IGAD region. During the final sessions, participants reviewed and formally adopted the Forum’s Terms of Reference, outlining its vision, governance structure, membership, and operational modalities to guide its work going forward. Discussions also reflected on priorities identified during the Forum, including advancing gender-responsive innovation, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding opportunities for women farmers and agribusiness leaders across the region. The Forum concluded with commitments from Member States, the designation of national focal points, and agreement on priority actions and a roadmap for the year ahead to operationalise the IGAD Women Forum on Agrifood Systems as a regional platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Learn more: igad.int/igad-regional-… More details about the event: igad.int/womenonagrifoo… @WorldBankAfrica #WomenInFoodSystems #IGADWomenInAgriculture #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

#IGAD’s 40 Year Journey Highlighted at Uganda’s History and Political Education Exhibition Representing the Executive Secretary, the Head of Mission to the Republic of #Uganda, Ms. Joselyne Bigirwa, delivered a presentation at the 3rd Annual History and Political Education Exhibition, outlining IGAD’s four decade journey, its mandate, and its impact in advancing peace, resilience, and regional cooperation across the region. Ms. Bigirwa further called on the youth to take initiative in shaping the region’s future by actively engaging in civic leadership, innovation, and regional dialogue, noting that the next chapter of Africa’s development will depend on a generation that is informed, responsible, and committed to collective progress. @IGAD_Missions #RisingWithIGAD

February was one of those months that truly reminded me how important regional diplomacy is for the future of the Horn of Africa. Watching the engagements and conversations led by H.E. @DrWorkneh, IGAD’s Executive Secretary. It became clear how much effort goes into sustaining dialogue, cooperation and partnership across our region and beyond. Throughout the month, Dr. Workneh engaged with leaders, diplomats, development partners and multilateral institutions during the @_AfricanUnion Summit period and in various bilateral meetings in his office in Djibouti. What stood out to me most was how each meeting, whether with ambassadors, international organizations or regional stakeholders, contributed to a broader effort to strengthen peace, cooperation and development across the @IGADsecretariat region. These engagements are not just ceremonial; they are spaces where critical conversations happen about conflict resolution, climate resilience, humanitarian support and economic progress. The Horn of Africa continues to face complex challenges, from conflict and displacement to climate shocks and food insecurity. In such a context, platforms like IGAD play a vital role in bringing partners together and ensuring that the voices and priorities of the region remain at the center of international discussions. Seeing the Executive Secretary actively engage with partners such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and various diplomatic missions highlighted how essential these relationships are for mobilizing resources and coordinated action. Another important takeaway for me was the emphasis on dialogue and partnership. The meetings held with ambassadors and international representatives reflected the trust and recognition that IGAD continues to build as a regional institution. Through these interactions, the organization reinforces its role as a bridge connecting governments, development partners and institutions in pursuit of shared goals. The African Union Summit engagements also underscored how closely regional and continental priorities are linked. Conversations around water security, peace processes and regional stability demonstrated that the challenges facing the Horn of Africa require both regional leadership and global cooperation. IGAD’s presence in these spaces ensures that the realities and aspirations of the region are represented at the highest levels. Personally, witnessing these engagements unfold gave me a deeper appreciation of the quiet but impactful work that diplomacy requires. Progress in regional cooperation often happens through continuous dialogue, patient negotiation and sustained partnership-building. Efforts that may not always make headlines but are crucial for long-term stability and development. I must also commend the leadership of H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu. His commitment to strengthening IGAD’s partnerships and advocating for the Horn of Africa is evident in the consistency of his engagements. The way he continues to position IGAD as a key platform for dialogue, cooperation and solutions reflects both experience and dedication to the region. Moments like these serve as a reminder that the work of regional institutions matters. Every conversation, every meeting, and every partnership contributes to shaping a more stable, cooperative and resilient Horn of Africa. And it is encouraging to see this work continuing with purpose and determination.

@FabiusMulongo Congratulations Fabius and mamake! May God continue to bless you abundantly in your journey!

Two people, one promise, and a love that created our greatest blessing. Loving you is the best decision I ever made… and our little one is the most beautiful proof of that. ❤️

🌙 On the 15th day of the blessed month of Ramadan, the #IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, extends warm greetings to Muslim communities across the region. He also recognises Christian communities observing their fasting period. May this season of reflection strengthen our unity, solidarity, and shared commitment to peace. #RamadanMubarak #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Today, I received the Letters of Accreditation from H.E. Amb. Abdelrahman Raafat Khattab, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Djibouti, accrediting him to IGAD. We exchanged views on areas of cooperation between Egypt and IGAD, and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement in advancing regional peace, stability, and development.

IGAD and AU Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Peace and Security The IGAD Director for the Peace and Security Division, Commander @AbebeMuluneh, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, today held consultations with @_AfricanUnion Chair H.E. @ymahmoudali at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The discussions focused on strengthening coordination between #IGAD and the @_AfricanUnion in advancing peace, security, and stability across the region, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to collective action and strategic cooperation. @IGADPeace #PeaceAndSecurity #RisingWithIGAD

Scaling Climate Smart Agriculture - Day 1 Highlights: The journey toward building resilient food systems where farmers work efficiently, adapt to climate change, and feed a growing region. @WorldBankAfrica @ccardesa_sadc For more updates: igad.int/fsrp-scaling-c… #OneRegionOneFuture #RisingWithIGAD

Eastern and Southern Africa Ministers Convene in Addis Ababa to Scale Climate Smart Agriculture Ministers and experts from the IGAD and Southern Africa regions have gathered in Addis Ababa for a High Level Regional Dialogue on Scaling Climate Smart Agriculture in Eastern and Southern Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, the Director of Agriculture and Environment, Mr Daher Elmi, called for the systematic adoption of innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence and digital climate services, to transform farming systems, reduce losses, and strengthen resilience. He emphasised that climate shocks are now structural realities requiring coordinated, technology driven responses and stronger regional collaboration. IGAD remains committed to supporting Member States to integrate climate smart agriculture into national frameworks, mobilise partnerships, and place farmers at the centre of a resilient and food secure future. @WorldBankAfrica @ccardesa_sadc For more updates: igad.int/fsrp-scaling-c… #ClimateSmartAgriculture #FoodSystemsResilience #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Received Ms Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director, and her delegation in my office at the IGAD Headquarters in Djibouti. We held discussions on strengthening humanitarian diplomacy efforts, including advocating for safe humanitarian corridors in Sudan to ensure the timely delivery of life saving assistance to the people of Sudan, particularly children. We also explored avenues to deepen our collaboration on climate resilience, response to disease outbreaks, and other shocks that disproportionately affect children across the region.