IGAD Urges Regional Framework to Harness AI for Development

Addis Ababa, Sep 4, 2026 (ENA) — IGAD member states should harness artificial intelligence (AI) to fast-track development, deepen regional integration and tackle shared challenges across the Horn of Africa, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu has said.

Speaking at the Regional AI Framework and Strategy Stakeholders Consultation Workshop in Addis Ababa, Workneh said AI should be seen as a key force multiplier for IGAD’s broader agenda on regional integration, peace and development.

He said AI has the potential to boost food security and agriculture, improve predictive climate modelling and early-warning systems for drought and flooding, and expand access to healthcare through AI-driven diagnostics and disease surveillance, especially in remote and border communities.

Workneh also underscored the need for data sovereignty, accountability and regional regulation, saying IGAD countries must ensure their data is controlled, managed and used in their own interests.

“We should be the owners of our own data,” Workneh said, stressing the need to strengthen regional approaches to data governance and AI regulation.

He called for stronger cooperation among member states through data sharing, resource pooling and policy harmonization, saying regional collaboration can achieve what no single country can do alone.

“This is not a Secretariat project. It is a regional initiative owned by you, our Member States, for our people,” Workneh said.

Workneh outlined a three-pronged strategy to advance AI in the region: targeted investment in areas where AI can deliver the greatest development impact, closing critical gaps in infrastructure, policy and human skills, and building a strong regional AI ecosystem.

He stressed the need for cross-border initiatives, institutional cooperation and harmonized policies to support the growth of an effective regional AI ecosystem.

In his remarks, Director for IGAD Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ketema Haile, said Ethiopia recognizes AI as a transformative tool for national and regional development.

“Ethiopia fully recognizes the transformative role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in national and regional development,” Ketema said.

He said Ethiopia is committed to working closely with IGAD and fellow member states to advance a safe, inclusive and human-centered AI agenda across the region.

Ketema also highlighted the newly established Artificial Intelligence University, expressing hope that it will benefit IGAD member states and Africa at large.

“In this regard, I hope the newly established Artificial Intelligence University will benefit all IGAD member states and the entire Africa,” Ketema said.

He called for coordinated regional action, strong policy frameworks and strategic investment in human capital, digital infrastructure, research and innovation to ensure AI benefits the region’s young population.

The two-day consultation, which runs from September 4 to 5, brings together policymakers, technical experts, academics, private-sector representatives and development partners to help develop a practical regional AI framework and strategy for IGAD.